Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Suspenseful, Tense, Atmospheric, Desperate, Gripping
- Read it if
- You enjoy tense, character-driven WWII thrillers with a strong cat-and-mouse dynamic and a morally complex antagonist.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced action over psychological suspense and detailed historical context, or are uncomfortable with morally ambiguous romantic subplots in a war setting.
Eye of the Needle Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The German Spy Arrives
In 1944, as D-Day nears, Henry Faber, a skilled German spy known as 'The Needle' for his preferred weapon, a stiletto, parachutes into England. His mission is to gather intelligence on Allied invasion plans. Posing as an English officer, Faber carefully avoids detection, using his cunning and efficiency. He quickly establishes his cover, traveling through the British countryside, always aware of the constant threat of discovery. His first goal is to find and photograph top-secret information about the phantom army in East Anglia, meant to trick the Germans about the real landing site.
Discovery of Fortitude
Faber's spy skills lead him to an airfield in East Anglia, where he finds the deception of 'Operation Fortitude.' He sees inflatable tanks, fake airfields, and other convincing fakes designed to make Germans believe the main invasion would happen at Pas-de-Calais, not Normandy. Realizing how important this information is, Faber photographs the evidence. This discovery is critical for the German war effort, possibly changing the course of the war if he can send it back to Berlin. The pressure grows as he knows the Allies will soon realize their deception has been compromised.
The Train Journey and Betrayal
With the vital photographs, Faber boards a train to reach a U-boat pickup point. However, a chance meeting with Mrs. Garden, his former landlady from a previous mission, threatens to expose him. Mrs. Garden, recognizing his scar, alerts authorities. Faber, realizing he's been caught, kills her without hesitation and makes a daring escape from the moving train. This act confirms his reputation as a cold-blooded killer, but also intensifies the British manhunt, now led by intelligence officer Percival Godliman and his assistant, David Rose.
The Island Sanctuary
Fleeing across the country, Faber tries to reach a U-boat waiting off the coast of Scotland. During a dangerous storm, his small boat wrecks on the isolated Storm Island, a desolate outpost in the Hebrides. Lucy Rose finds him; she is a young woman with an injured husband, David, and their young son, Jo. Lucy, at first believing him to be a stranded airman, offers him shelter and care. She doesn't know she has brought a deadly enemy into her home, one who holds the fate of the war in his hands and will use her kindness to achieve his mission.
A Fragile Connection
As Faber recovers, he gains Lucy's trust and her family's. He acts as a charming and helpful guest, slowly winning her over. Lucy, feeling isolated and neglected by her disabled husband, finds herself drawn to Faber's strength and attention. A fragile, unspoken connection starts between them, built on shared vulnerability and loneliness. Faber, always looking for opportunities, recognizes Lucy's emotional state and subtly manipulates it to ensure his continued safety and access to the island's only important radio transmitter.
David's Suspicion
David Rose, Lucy's husband, a former RAF pilot injured in the war, grows more suspicious of Faber. David, despite his physical limits, has a sharp mind and a strong sense of duty. He notices inconsistencies in Faber's stories and his unusual interest in the island's weather and radio. His suspicions increase because of Faber's unusual arrival and his seemingly perfect English, which is a bit too perfect. David begins to investigate Faber's past, setting the stage for a dangerous confrontation as he gets closer to the truth.
The Revelation and Confrontation
David's persistent investigation eventually uncovers clear proof of Faber's true identity as a German spy. He finds a German-made stiletto and a hidden radio. Confronting Faber, David tries to alert the mainland, but Faber, realizing he's caught, brutally attacks him. A desperate struggle follows, ending with Faber murdering David to protect his secret and his mission. Lucy is left devastated and horrified, understanding the true nature of the man she had taken into her home and the terrible cost of her misplaced trust.
Lucy's Desperate Act
After David's murder, a grief-stricken and angry Lucy understands the full horror of Faber's mission and the devastating results if he succeeds. Driven by revenge and a desire to protect her country, she realizes she is the only one who can stop him. She knows Faber needs the island's radio to send the vital intelligence to Germany. Lucy, finding an inner strength she never knew she had, decides to stop his efforts, starting a tense pursuit across the isolated island as she tries to prevent him from reaching his U-boat pickup.
The Hunt on Storm Island
With British intelligence, led by Godliman, closing in on Storm Island, Lucy and Faber engage in a harrowing chase. Lucy uses her knowledge of the island's dangerous terrain to her advantage, trying to evade Faber and stop him from reaching the radio or the U-boat. Faber, desperate to finish his mission, is ruthless in his pursuit, determined to eliminate Lucy as a threat. The island's isolation increases the tension, turning it into a confined battleground where survival and the fate of nations are at stake. Lucy's strength is tested to its limits.
The Final Confrontation
The chase ends in a tense standoff at the island's radio transmitter. Lucy, having anticipated Faber's move, confronts him, determined to stop him from sending the message. A final, desperate struggle happens between the two. Lucy, fueled by her grief and patriotism, fights with surprising ferocity. Faber, wounded and cornered, still tries to transmit the information. The arrival of British forces, alerted by Godliman, adds to the urgency. The fate of D-Day and the lives of countless soldiers depend on whether Faber can send his message, or if Lucy can stop him in time.
The Message and its Interception
In the final moments, Faber manages to transmit a partial message to Germany, but Lucy's brave action and the timely arrival of British forces stop him from sending the full, decisive intelligence. Faber is eventually cornered and killed by Lucy, who uses David's rifle. Though the Germans receive a garbled, incomplete message, it is not enough to compromise Operation Fortitude. The Allied invasion proceeds as planned, secure that their deception remains largely intact. Lucy, a reluctant hero, has helped ensure D-Day's success, though at great personal cost.
Principal Figures
Henry Faber ('The Needle')
Antagonist
A highly intelligent and ruthless German master spy.
Faber is a German aristocrat, a former history professor, and an exceptionally skilled Abwehr spy. Codename 'The Needle' for his preferred stiletto, he is cold, calculating, and utterly ruthless, driven by an unwavering loyalty to Germany and a deep-seated belief in their cause. He possesses keen observational skills, quick wit, and a chameleon-like ability to blend in. Despite his charm and intelligence, he is a sociopath, capable of extreme violence without remorse, seeing people as tools or obstacles to his mission.
Relationships: Lucy Rose (manipulative romantic interest, later deadly adversary); David Rose (rival, victim)
Lucy Rose
Protagonist
A young, isolated English woman who finds unexpected strength.
Lucy is a young, intelligent, and initially vulnerable woman living on the remote Storm Island. Married to the crippled David, she feels isolated and emotionally neglected. Her compassion leads her to take in Faber, but her world is shattered by his betrayal and the murder of her husband. She transforms from a passive figure into a determined, resourceful, and vengeful heroine, driven by grief and a fierce sense of patriotism. She embodies resilience and the capacity for ordinary people to rise to extraordinary challenges.
Relationships: Henry Faber (initial romantic attraction, later deadly adversary); David Rose (husband, source of initial resentment and later grief)
David Rose
Supporting
Lucy's crippled, intelligent husband who uncovers Faber's true identity.
David is Lucy's husband, a former RAF pilot who was crippled in a wartime accident. Despite his physical limitations, he is intelligent, observant, and possesses a strong sense of duty. He is initially somewhat distant from Lucy, struggling with his disability and the emotional toll of the war. His suspicion of Faber grows steadily, leading him to uncover the spy's true identity. His determination to protect his country and his family ultimately costs him his life, making him a tragic hero.
Relationships: Lucy Rose (wife, strained but loving); Henry Faber (antagonist, his murderer)
Percival Godliman
Supporting
The dedicated and astute British intelligence officer hunting Faber.
Percival Godliman is a professor of medieval history who has been recruited into British intelligence. He is highly intelligent, methodical, and persistent, leading the hunt for 'The Needle.' He is perceptive and quick to connect disparate clues, understanding the gravity of Faber's mission. Despite being an academic, he proves to be an effective and determined operative, driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a personal understanding of the war's stakes. He represents the intellectual side of the intelligence effort.
Relationships: David Rose (Assistant) (subordinate, trusted colleague)
David Rose (Assistant)
Supporting
Godliman's dedicated and often frustrated assistant.
Not to be confused with Lucy's husband, this David Rose is Godliman's younger, more conventional intelligence assistant. He is diligent and loyal but often struggles to keep up with Godliman's intuitive leaps and unconventional methods. He provides a grounded counterpoint to Godliman's academic approach, handling the practicalities of the manhunt. His frustration often highlights the difficulty and urgency of their mission, and he serves as a reliable right-hand man.
Relationships: Percival Godliman (superior, mentor)
Jo
Supporting
Lucy and David's young son.
Jo is Lucy and David's young son, a largely innocent bystander in the unfolding drama. His presence serves as a constant reminder of the stakes of the war and the vulnerability of families. Faber initially uses Jo's innocence to further ingratiate himself with Lucy, but Jo later becomes a source of concern and protection for Lucy as she fights for her family's future. He represents the future that Lucy is fighting to protect from the horrors of war and espionage.
Relationships: Lucy Rose (mother); David Rose (father)
Mrs. Garden
Mentioned
Faber's former landlady who recognizes him.
Mrs. Garden is Faber's former landlady from an earlier mission. Her brief but crucial appearance on the train serves as the catalyst for the intensified manhunt for Faber. Her sharp memory and recognition of Faber's distinctive scar lead to her tragic death, but also to the British authorities becoming fully aware that 'The Needle' is active in England. She represents the ordinary citizens who unwittingly become entangled in the war's secret operations.
Themes & Insights
The Brutality of War and Espionage
The novel shows the harsh and dehumanizing nature of war, especially through espionage. Faber, a seemingly cultured man, commits murder without hesitation, seeing human lives as expendable for his mission. The constant threat of discovery and the need for violence to survive highlight the moral compromises inherent in wartime intelligence. Scenes like Faber killing Mrs. Garden on the train and later David Rose on Storm Island show how war strips away humanity and forces individuals into desperate acts.
“He knew it was a dirty game, and he was good at it.”
Deception and Truth
Deception is central to the plot, from the large strategic scale of Operation Fortitude to Faber's personal lies and disguises. The entire Allied D-Day strategy depends on a massive deception campaign, and Faber's mission is to uncover this truth. Conversely, Faber himself is a master of disguise and manipulation, constantly presenting a false persona. The conflict between revealing the truth (Faber's goal) and maintaining the deception (Allied goal, and later Lucy's) drives the story. Lucy's journey involves uncovering the truth about Faber, shattering her illusions.
“The whole invasion was built on a lie, a magnificent, terrifying lie.”
Isolation and Connection
Isolation is a prominent theme, especially through Lucy's character. Living on a remote island with an injured husband, she feels emotionally cut off. This vulnerability makes her open to Faber's charm and apparent connection. Faber, despite his mission, also experiences a type of professional isolation, unable to trust anyone. The brief, intense connection between Lucy and Faber, born of loneliness, turns out to be a dangerous illusion. The island itself acts as a symbol for their emotional and physical isolation, which is eventually broken by the intrusion of war.
“She was isolated, and he knew it. A perfect target.”
The Strength of Ordinary People
The novel shows the unexpected strength and heroism of ordinary people caught in extraordinary situations. Lucy Rose, a seemingly vulnerable and ordinary woman, becomes a strong opponent, driven by grief and patriotism. Her courage in confronting Faber, a highly trained killer, shows that heroism is not limited to soldiers or spies. Similarly, David Rose, despite his disability, shows great courage in uncovering Faber's identity. This theme highlights that even against great odds, ordinary people can rise to protect what they believe in.
“She was no soldier, no spy, but she had a cause now.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
MacGuffin: Operation Fortitude Photographs
The vital intelligence Faber obtains about the Allied deception.
The photographs Faber takes of the dummy army in East Anglia serve as the primary MacGuffin. This intelligence is the driving force behind Faber's mission and the subsequent manhunt. Its significance is immense: if successfully transmitted, it could expose the Allied deception and potentially alter the outcome of D-Day. The physical presence of the undeveloped film in Faber's possession creates tangible stakes and urgency, as both sides are desperate to either secure or destroy it.
The Isolated Setting: Storm Island
A remote island that serves as both refuge and trap.
Storm Island functions as a crucial plot device, heightening the tension and sense of isolation. Its remoteness makes it an ideal, albeit accidental, sanctuary for Faber, allowing him to recover and attempt his transmission without immediate detection. However, this very isolation also traps Lucy with him, turning her home into a deadly arena. The island's harsh environment and limited escape routes create a claustrophobic atmosphere, intensifying the cat-and-mouse game between Lucy and Faber, and contributing to the feeling of being cut off from the outside world.
The Stiletto ('The Needle')
Faber's signature weapon, symbolizing his ruthless efficiency.
Faber's stiletto is more than just a weapon; it is a symbol of his identity and his chilling efficiency. It's the source of his codename, 'The Needle,' and its use in his brutal murders underscores his cold, precise, and ruthless nature. The discovery of the stiletto by David is a key moment in exposing Faber's true identity, making it a crucial piece of evidence. Its presence constantly reminds the reader of Faber's dangerous capabilities and the ever-present threat he poses.
Dramatic Irony
The audience knows Faber's true identity while Lucy does not.
Dramatic irony is heavily employed, particularly in the initial scenes on Storm Island. The audience is fully aware that 'The Needle' is a dangerous German spy, while Lucy, out of compassion and her own loneliness, believes him to be a stranded airman. This creates profound tension and dread as Lucy unwittingly harbors her enemy, making her vulnerable and heightening the suspense of David's growing suspicions and eventual discovery. It allows the reader to anticipate the inevitable betrayal and confrontation.
Eye of the Needle Quotes
“He knew he was going to die. He had known it for a long time. It was just a question of when.”
“Love, he thought, was the most dangerous weapon of all.”
“The truth was a weapon, and like all weapons, it could be used for good or ill.”
“A good spy was an invisible man, and the invisible man was a lonely man.”
“He had never felt so utterly alone, so completely cut off from the rest of the world.”
“Desperate times called for desperate measures, and these were desperate times indeed.”
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.”
“He was a ghost, a shadow, a whisper in the wind. And he was deadly.”
“It was amazing how quickly one could adapt to the unthinkable.”
“The war had a way of bringing out the best and the worst in people.”
“Fear was a cold, hard knot in his stomach, but it was also a stimulant.”
“He was a professional, and professionals did not allow personal feelings to cloud their judgment.”
“The past was a relentless hunter, and it always caught up with you in the end.”
“Sometimes, the biggest lies were the ones you told yourself.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is 'The Needle's' real name in 'Eye of the Needle'?
- Heinrich Himmler
- Alexander Faber
- Henry Faber
- Erwin Rommel
Show answer
C. Henry Faber The German master spy's real name is Henry Faber, though he is known by his code name 'The Needle'.
Question 2
What crucial piece of information does The Needle discover that could change the course of WWII?
- The location of the D-Day landings
- The Allied plans for Operation Market Garden
- That the phantom army in East Anglia is a deception (Operation Fortitude)
- The true strength of the British Royal Navy
Show answer
C. That the phantom army in East Anglia is a deception (Operation Fortitude) Faber discovers that the vast 'army' in East Anglia, commanded by General Patton, is a dummy force designed to mislead the Germans about the true invasion point.
Question 3
Where does The Needle's plane crash, leading him to the remote island?
- Off the coast of Scotland
- In the English Channel
- Near the cliffs of Dover
- In the North Sea
Show answer
A. Off the coast of Scotland After his plane runs out of fuel, Faber crashes off the coast of Scotland, washing ashore on the remote Storm Island.
Question 4
What is Lucy Rose's physical impairment?
- She is blind in one eye.
- She has a limp from a childhood accident.
- She is deaf in one ear.
- She suffers from chronic asthma.
Show answer
B. She has a limp from a childhood accident. Lucy has a limp as a result of a childhood accident, which contributes to her feeling of isolation and vulnerability.
Question 5
What is the name of the remote island where Lucy and her husband, David, live?
- Skye Island
- Storm Island
- Mull Island
- Orkney Island
Show answer
B. Storm Island Lucy and David live on the isolated Storm Island, off the coast of Scotland, where Faber eventually washes ashore.
Question 6
How does Lucy initially discover Faber's true identity?
- She finds his German uniform.
- She overhears him speaking German on the radio.
- She finds the microfilm in his boot.
- He confesses to her directly.
Show answer
C. She finds the microfilm in his boot. Lucy finds the microfilm hidden in Faber's boot, which contains the photographic proof of Operation Fortitude's deception.
Question 7
What is the primary motivation for Faber's dedication to the Nazi cause?
- His belief in Nazi ideology and racial purity.
- His desire for personal power and recognition.
- A deep-seated loyalty to Germany and a desire for revenge for past defeats.
- He was blackmailed into espionage.
Show answer
C. A deep-seated loyalty to Germany and a desire for revenge for past defeats. Faber is depicted as a German patriot, driven by a fierce loyalty to his homeland and a desire to see Germany victorious, rather than a fervent Nazi ideologue.
Question 8
What is the significance of the title 'Eye of the Needle'?
- It refers to a specific landmark on Storm Island.
- It symbolizes the extreme difficulty Faber faces in escaping and transmitting his intelligence.
- It's a metaphor for the narrow escape route of the German U-boats.
- It represents the precision required in espionage work.
Show answer
B. It symbolizes the extreme difficulty Faber faces in escaping and transmitting his intelligence. The title refers to the biblical phrase 'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God,' symbolizing the near-impossible task Faber faces in getting his vital intelligence back to Germany.
Question 9
How does David, Lucy's husband, die?
- He is shot by Faber while trying to stop him.
- He drowns trying to escape the island.
- He dies in an accident while fishing.
- He is killed by a British agent pursuing Faber.
Show answer
A. He is shot by Faber while trying to stop him. David confronts Faber after Lucy reveals his true identity and the microfilm. Faber brutally kills David to prevent him from alerting the authorities.
Question 10
What is the ultimate fate of Henry Faber at the end of the novel?
- He successfully escapes to Germany.
- He is captured by British intelligence.
- He is killed by Lucy before he can transmit his message.
- He commits suicide after being cornered.
Show answer
C. He is killed by Lucy before he can transmit his message. After a desperate chase and struggle, Lucy manages to fatally wound Faber with a pair of shears, preventing him from sending his crucial message to Germany.
Eye of the Needle FAQ
What is the core premise of 'Eye of the Needle'?
'Eye of the Needle' follows Henry Faber, a highly intelligent German master spy codenamed 'The Needle,' who discovers crucial Allied D-Day invasion plans. His mission is to transmit this intelligence to Germany, but he becomes the target of an intense manhunt across wartime England, ultimately finding refuge with a young, isolated woman named Lucy Rose.
Who is Henry Faber, and what is his significance?
Henry Faber, known as 'The Needle,' is a ruthless and brilliant German spy, an aristocrat by birth, whose exceptional skills in espionage make him invaluable to the Nazi war effort. He is the only agent to uncover the 'Fortitude' deception, revealing the true location of the D-Day landings, making his capture or success pivotal to the war's outcome.
Who is Lucy Rose, and how does she become involved with Faber?
Lucy Rose is a young English woman living an isolated life on Storm Island with her disabled husband, David. She encounters Faber after he is shipwrecked near her home, initially believing him to be an RAF pilot. Her loneliness and initial compassion draw her into his world, unaware of his true identity and dangerous mission.
What is 'Operation Fortitude' and why is it crucial to the plot?
Operation Fortitude was the Allied deception plan to mislead the Germans about the true location of the D-Day landings, making them believe the invasion would occur at Pas-de-Calais rather than Normandy. Faber's discovery of this deception, specifically the dummy army led by Patton, threatens to expose the entire Allied strategy and shift the tide of the war.
How does Faber manage to evade capture for so long?
Faber's success in evading capture stems from his meticulous planning, ruthlessness, and exceptional intelligence. He is a master of disguise and improvisation, willing to kill anyone who threatens his mission, which allows him to slip through Allied intelligence's grasp multiple times, often leaving a trail of bodies behind him.
What is the significance of the specific detail about Faber's daggers?
Faber's daggers, particularly the stiletto he uses, are not just a weapon but a signature element of his identity and ruthlessness. The detail of him always carrying and expertly using them underscores his training, his aristocratic background (as a duel enthusiast), and his cold, efficient nature, earning him his deadly codename.
Are there any subtle clues about Faber's true identity before his reveal to Lucy?
While Faber expertly maintains his cover as an RAF pilot, subtle clues might include his unusually precise German accent when speaking English, his detached and calculating demeanor even in 'distress,' and his immediate, almost instinctual, assessment of his surroundings and potential threats, which hint at his true profession.
How does the weather, particularly the storm, act as a plot device?
The severe storm that wrecks Faber's boat near Storm Island is a crucial plot device. It isolates him, forcing him into Lucy's care, and also heightens the tension, making escape or rescue difficult. The harsh weather reflects the tumultuous internal and external conflicts, trapping the characters together and accelerating their confrontation.
What is the symbolic significance of Storm Island?
Storm Island serves as a potent symbol of isolation and a crucible for the characters. It represents Lucy's trapped existence and becomes a literal trap for Faber. Its remote, windswept nature mirrors the psychological storms brewing within Lucy and Faber, forcing them to confront their deepest desires and fears away from the outside world.
Analyze Faber's psychological motivation beyond mere patriotism.
Beyond patriotism, Faber is driven by a profound sense of duty, an aristocratic pride in his abilities, and perhaps a deep-seated need for validation or to prove his superiority. His ruthlessness isn't just strategic; it seems to stem from a cold, almost psychopathic detachment, viewing others as mere obstacles to be eliminated for his ultimate goal.
How does Lucy's past relationship with David influence her interaction with Faber?
Lucy's unfulfilling and sexless marriage to David, who was rendered paraplegic on their wedding day, leaves her deeply lonely and emotionally vulnerable. This vulnerability makes her susceptible to Faber's charm and attention, fulfilling a desperate need for connection and passion that David cannot provide, clouding her judgment about the 'pilot'.
Explore the psychological impact of war on characters like Lucy and David.
War has left David physically and emotionally broken, leading to a life of quiet despair and resentment, which in turn isolates Lucy. For Lucy, the war's demands have meant personal sacrifice and loneliness, fostering a yearning for escape and connection. Their individual traumas make them both victims and unwitting pawns in Faber's larger wartime machinations.
How does Faber rationalize his brutal actions, particularly his murders?
Faber rationalizes his murders as necessary evils for the greater good of his mission and his country. He operates under a strict utilitarian logic where individual lives are expendable if they impede his objective of delivering vital intelligence. His aristocratic upbringing and spy training have likely instilled a detachment that allows him to commit these acts without apparent remorse.
Is Lucy's ultimate action against Faber justifiable, or is it an act of desperate revenge?
Lucy's final act against Faber can be seen as both justifiable self-defense and desperate revenge. While she is protecting herself and her country from a deadly spy, her actions are also fueled by betrayal, the murder of her husband David, and the profound trauma Faber inflicted. It's a complex mix of patriotism and personal vengeance.
What is the thematic significance of the 'eye of the needle' title?
The title 'Eye of the Needle' refers to the nearly impossible task Faber faces in transmitting his intelligence, like a camel trying to pass through a needle's eye. It also alludes to the narrow window of opportunity for the Allies to prevent their deception from being exposed, and perhaps to the minuscule chance of survival for anyone who crosses Faber's path.
How does the ending challenge traditional spy thriller tropes?
The ending challenges traditional spy thriller tropes by having the ultimate fate of the war hinge not on a heroic male spy, but on an ordinary, isolated woman. It subverts expectations by showing a vulnerable character rise to an extraordinary act of heroism, driven by personal stakes as much as national duty, rather than a professional spy's calculated move.
Could Faber have succeeded if he had acted differently with Lucy?
If Faber had been less ruthless or more genuinely empathetic towards Lucy, he might have been able to manipulate her for longer or even secured her assistance. However, his inherent nature and the pressure of his mission made it inevitable that he would eventually betray her trust, as his ultimate goal always superseded any personal connection, leading to his downfall.
What role does fate or chance play in the story's outcome?
Fate and chance play a significant role, particularly with Faber's boat being shipwrecked near Storm Island. This chance encounter irrevocably alters the course of the war. While Faber's skills are formidable, his ultimate failure is due to this twist of fate, placing him in the unexpected path of Lucy, who ultimately proves to be his undoing.
About the author
Kenneth Martin Follett, is a British author of thrillers and historical novels who has sold more than 160 million copies of his works.
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