Picture a British storyteller who turned Cold War espionage into a labyrinth of history and wit—meet Anthony Price! Born Alan Anthony Price, this master of spy thrillers crafted nineteen novels between 1970 and 1989, starring the brilliant yet reluctant spy Dr. David Audley and the no-nonsense Colonel Jack Butler. With a knack for weaving historical mysteries into taut, intelligent plots, Price redefined the genre, earning comparisons to John le Carré.
His stories aren’t just about spies—they’re about the past sneaking up on the present, with characters who think as much as they act. Ready to dive into a world where archaeology and espionage collide? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this understated genius.
The Making of Anthony Price
Born on August 16, 1928, in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, Anthony Price was shaped by a blend of discipline and intellect. After losing his mother at seven, he was raised by an aunt and attended The King’s School, Canterbury. He served as a captain in the British Army from 1947 to 1949 before studying history at Merton College, Oxford, earning an MA in 1956. His love for military history and crime fiction bloomed early, fueling a career as a journalist and editor at the Oxford Times from 1972 to 1988. It was a chance encounter with publisher Livia Gollancz, who suggested he write a crime history, that sparked his debut novel, The Labyrinth Makers, instead.
Anthony Price’s Unforgettable Stories
Price’s nineteen spy thrillers, often called the Dr. David Audley and Colonel Jack Butler series, are a masterclass in cerebral espionage. His debut, The Labyrinth Makers (1970), introduced David Audley, a historian-turned-spy with a rugby player’s build and a knack for unraveling historical puzzles, earning the Crime Writers’ Association Silver Dagger. The novel follows Audley investigating a WWII plane wreck that piques Soviet interest, blending archaeology with Cold War intrigue.
Other Paths to Glory (1974), arguably his finest work, won the Gold Dagger and was lauded by The Daily Telegraph as one of the top 20 spy novels ever. Here, Audley probes murders tied to the Battle of the Somme, linking WWI to a modern nuclear summit. Colonel Butler’s Wolf (1972) sees Audley thwarting Soviet recruitment in British universities, while The ’44 Vintage (1978) flashes back to Audley’s WWII adventures. Price’s style—literate, dialogue-driven, and rich with historical red herrings—sets him apart. Each novel rotates perspectives among a repertory cast, from the honorable Butler to the sensitive Hugh Roskill, creating a dynamic, interconnected universe.
Why Anthony Price Matters
Anthony Price didn’t just write spy novels; he elevated them. His blend of historical depth and psychological complexity influenced the genre, earning praise for matching le Carré’s intricate plotting and witty dialogue. Though his books never reached mass-market fame, their intellectual rigor and authenticity won a devoted following among spy fiction connoisseurs. Adaptations like the 1983 TV series Chessgame and BBC Radio dramas brought his stories to broader audiences, cementing his legacy. Price’s novels, with their timeless exploration of loyalty and betrayal, remain a treasure for readers seeking thrillers with brains.
- Born: August 16, 1928, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
- Key Works: The Labyrinth Makers, Other Paths to Glory, Colonel Butler’s Wolf
- Awards: CWA Silver Dagger (1970), Gold Dagger (1974)
- Died: May 30, 2019, Blackheath, London
Snag The Labyrinth Makers and dive into Anthony Price’s world of clever spies and historical twists—you won’t look at espionage the same way again!