very careful, wonderful study
I recently used this text in a university class; my students and I value this work a great deal. It's great to see a medievalist criticize Aries appropriately, without throwing out the baby with the bathwater. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of childhood.
This is emotive of foggy London, seedy places and shadow people.  Le Carre is the master. I cannot add to the intimacy with the world of seedy espionage he can evoke.  It's a wonder we survived the Cold War!