The Quiet American (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

by Graham Greene

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Book Overview: The Quiet American (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

“I never knew a man who had better motives for all the trouble he caused,” Graham Greene’s narrator Fowler remarks of Alden Pyle, the eponymous “Quiet American” of what is perhaps the most controversial novel of his career. Pyle is the brash young idealist sent out by Washington on a mysterious mission to Saigon, where the French Army struggles against the Vietminh guerrillas.

As young Pyle’s well-intentioned policies blunder into bloodshed, Fowler, a seasoned and cynical British reporter, finds it impossible to stand safely aside as an observer. But Fowler’s motives for intervening are suspect, both to the police and himself, for Pyle has stolen Fowler’s beautiful Vietnamese mistress.

Originally published in 1956 and twice adapted to film, The Quiet American remains a terrifiying and prescient portrait of innocence at large. This Graham Greene Centennial Edition includes a new introductory essay by Robert Stone.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

ISBN-13	9780143039020
ISBN-10	0143039024
Publisher	Penguin Classics
Publication Date	2004-08-31
Edition	Reprint
Language	en
Pages	180
Dimensions	in x in x in
Weight	lbs

Editorial Reviews

“No serious writer of this century has more thoroughly invaded and shaped the public imagination than Graham Greene.” –Time

About the Author

Graham Greene

Graham Greene, born October 2, 1904, was an English novelist, playwright, and literary critic who left an indelible mark on 20th-century literature. Known for his versatility and prolificacy, Greene created a literary genre that combines the disheartening realities of political espionage with deep psychological analysis. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest British writers of the last century, with works like “The Power and the Glory” and “Our Man in Havana” imbued with a unique blend of storytelling and philosophy.

Born to a prominent family in Berkhamsted, England, Greene’s early experiences at the local boarding school fuelled his journey into storytelling. His fascination with international politics and keen interest in journalistic travel took him across the globe, influencing his narratives that often spotlight characters living through political unrest. His deep understanding of human psychology and sharp critique of political systems brought richness to his work that resonated with readers worldwide.

Throughout his career, Greene was twice shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Literature and garnered countless accolities. His gifted pen explored themes of political corruption, faith, and moral ambiguity. Today, Graham Greene’s legacy lives on through his timeless works that masterfully blend suspense, humor, and thought-provoking insights into the human condition.