"The Secret Agent" is a novel written by Joseph Conrad, first published in 1907. The story is set in London in the late 19th century and revolves around the activities of a group of anarchists and a plot to strike a blow against the oppressive government. The central character, Mr. Verloc, is a secret agent tasked with infiltrating the anarchist circles, but his personal motivations and the complexities of the political landscape lead to tragic consequences.