Len Deighton Len Deighton Leonard Cyril Deighton (; born 18 February 1929), known as Len Deighton, is a British author. Deighton is considered one of the top three spy novelists of his time (along with Ian Fleming and John le Carré). In addition he is a highly acclaimed military historian, cookery writer, and graphic artist. "The IPCRESS File" (1962), his first novel, was an instant bestseller and broke the mould of thriller writing. "The Sunday Times" called him "the poet of the spy story". Deighton’s first protagonist – a nameless spy christened Harry Palmer in the films – was made famous worldwide
A Very British Coup The first version, also titled "A Very British Coup", was adapted in 1988 by screenwriter Alan Plater and starring Ray McAnally. The 2012 four-part Channel 4 series, "Secret State", was "inspired" by the same novel. Starring Gabriel Byrne, this version was written by Robert Jones. A Very British Coup A Very British Coup is a 1982 novel by British politician Chris Mullin. The novel has twice been adapted for television; as "A Very British Coup" in 1988 and as "Secret State" in 2012. Harry Perkins is the left-wing Leader of the Labour Party and Member of Parliament for Sheffield Central.