Bestselling author and former politician Jeffrey Archer has died at the age of 86. Archer sold more than 300 million books in his five-decade writing career, including the Clifton Chronicles and Kane and Abel. His publisher, HarperCollins, announced that he died suddenly and peacefully at home on Monday between writing sessions. Archer was known for setting his novels in his hometown of Wellington, Somerset.
Archer was born in north London on 15 April 1940 but moved to Weston-super-Mare in Somerset with his family. He began his career in politics, being elected MP for the Lincolnshire constituency of Louth in 1969. He served as an MP for five years before becoming Conservative Party deputy chairman. Archer's political career was marked by controversy, including a four-year jail sentence for perjury in 2001.
Archer's writing career spanned over five decades and included numerous bestselling novels. His last book, Adam and Eve, was set to be released this week. HarperCollins described him as a "master storyteller" whose readers "meant everything to him". Archer had returned to his former school, Wellington School, last week to promote his final novel, where he expressed his excitement about inspiring the next generation.
Tributes have been pouring in for the renowned author, with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch describing his death as a "huge shock". Archer had sent her a message just that morning and was a great source of encouragement to her personally. HarperCollins UK CEO and Jeffrey's editor, Kate Elton, paid tribute to Archer, describing him as an editor's dream due to his hard work and commitment to publishing.
Archer's publisher, HarperCollins, revealed that the author had been at the Leicester Square Theatre in London on Sunday, signing books for fans with broadcaster Gyles Brandreth. Brandreth took to social media to share his memories of Archer, describing him as funny, engaging, and self-deprecating. Former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi also paid tribute to Archer, describing him as a "dear friend and extraordinary human being".
Archer is survived by his wife, Mary, whom he married for 60 years, and their two sons and five grandchildren. He had celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife this year. Archer's legacy as a master storyteller and politician will be remembered for years to come. His contributions to literature and politics have left a lasting impact on his readers and colleagues.
Archer's final appearance was set to be at the Cheltenham Festival on Saturday, where he was due to discuss his final novel. However, his passing has left his fans and admirers mourning the loss of a great storyteller. KEY_POINT: Archer sold over 300 million books worldwide during his five-decade writing career. KEY_POINT: He was jailed for four years in 2001 for perjury and perverting the course of justice. KEY_POINT: Archer's last book, Adam and Eve, was set to be released this week.
