In my quest for le Carré geegaws, I happened upon something that has become synonymous with le Carré’s book Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Matryoshka dolls have become the iconic symbol of that book from their use on the cover –

To being in the opening credits of the television adaption created by graphic designer Douglas Burd –

So when I found someone selling replicas of the Matryoshka dolls used in the television credits I was intrigued.

The price tag was a bit too steep for me, but through the generosity of family I received a set for my birthday. They are pretty cool if I do say so myself and look great next to my collection of le Carré novels. Now if anyone knows where to get those dolls from the cover of Tinker…