In the world of publishing, the term “legend” is often used loosely, but in Len Deighton’s case it is completely accurate. He is among a handful of authors—Greene, Ambler, le Carré, and Fleming—who are deservedly credited with creating the modern spy novel. In an industry where mega-best-selling authors like to maintain high profiles that can often eclipse their own work, Deighton is the exception, a retiring man who throughout his career has preferred to let his work take center stage.