Summary

London of the late 19th century is a haven for political exiles of all sorts--refugees, partisans, anarchists. Verloc has made his living spying for the Russian goverment, an agent provocateur of sorts, while simultaneously providing information to the London police, specifically Chief Inspector Heat. When the new Russian ambassador demands he prove his worth or lose his salary, Verloc sets off a tragic chain of events that involves his pretty young wife Winnie, her retarded brother Stevie, and a figure called the Professor, whose fascination with explosives and destruction makes him the person to call on when Verloc needs a bomb.

Quotes

The Professor
And I'm sure your death announcement would be more flattering than you deserve. Also, with all consciousness, your friend may try to sort us out. I'm afraid some of you may have been buried with some of me.

The Professor
Remorse is for the weak. And weakness is the source of all the evil on this earth. There's a time coming, sooner better than later, and this will be understood by governments as well as individuals. But there'll be no progress or solutions until you make a rational decision to exterminate the weak. I myself have no future, but I am a force.