Len Deighton bibliography Len Deighton bibliography Len Deighton (born 18 February 1929) is an English author known for his novels, works of military history, screenplays and cookery writing. He had a varied career, including as a pastry cook, waiter, co-editor of a magazine, teacher and air steward before writing his first novel in 1962: "The IPCRESS File". He continued to produce what his biographer John Reilly considers "stylish, witty, well-crafted novels" in spy fiction, including three trilogies and a prequel featuring Bernard Samson. Deighton authored two television scripts, the first of which was "Long Past Glory" in 1963; he also wrote a film
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.