Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 8 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 10 minutes

"The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale" is a novel by Joseph Conrad, published in 1907. It explores themes of anarchism, espionage, and terrorism, as well as the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The story follows Adolf Verloc, a secret agent, and his involvement with a group of anarchists. Verloc is tasked with carrying out a bombing at Greenwich Observatory, which leads to tragic consequences. The novel delves into the political and moral implications of terrorism and anarchism. It received mixed reviews upon publication but has since been recognized as a significant work. "The Secret Agent" has been adapted for film, TV, radio, and opera, and it influenced the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski.