British novelist and former politician Jeffrey Archer has died at the age of 86, just one day before his final novel, Adam and Eve, was due to be published. Archer, who was known for his bestselling thrillers, passed away suddenly and peacefully at home, according to his publisher HarperCollins. He had been active in the days leading up to his death, meeting and signing books for fans in London's Leicester Square Theatre on Sunday.
Throughout his career, Archer sold more than 300 million copies of his books, with his novels finding fans around the world. Some of his most famous works include his 1976 debut, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, and 1979's Kane & Abel. His books were sold in 119 countries, and he spent a total of five and a half years on the New York Times bestseller lists. Archer's writing career spanned multiple decades and earned him a significant following.
Archer's life was marked by both great success and significant controversy. He first made headlines in 1969 when he entered parliament at the age of 29. However, his time in politics was cut short due to a fraudulent investment scheme, and he did not stand for re-election in 1974. Archer turned to writing to try to clear his debts, and his literary career ultimately went on to bring him great acclaim.
Despite his success as an author, Archer's personal life was marred by scandal. In 1987, he sued the Daily Star tabloid for saying he had paid a woman for sex, winning a then-record £500,000 in damages. However, the case returned to the public eye in 1999 when he was accused of lying, and he was eventually charged with perjury and perverting the course of justice. Archer was convicted and sentenced to four years' imprisonment, serving two years.
Archer's wife, Mary, played a significant role in his trial. The judge, Bernard Caulfield, made several notable comments about her during the summing up of evidence, describing her as elegant and fragrant. Archer wrote A Prison Diary during his time in prison, which became a bestseller. Despite his fall from grace, Archer's literary career continued to thrive.
In the years leading up to his death, Archer remained active in the literary world. He was scheduled to speak at several events, including the Cheltenham Literature Festival, and had been in contact with colleagues and friends. Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservatives, said she was shocked by the news of Archer's death, having received a message from him on Monday morning.
Archer's legacy as a writer and politician is complex and multifaceted. He was a central figure within the Conservative party for over 30 years, sitting in the upper House of Lords chamber in parliament and raising millions of pounds for charity. His writing brought joy to generations of readers, and he will be remembered as a significant literary figure of his time.
Key points
- Jeffrey Archer died at 86, days before the release of his final novel, Adam and Eve.
- Archer sold over 300 million copies of his books and spent five and a half years on the New York Times bestseller lists.
- Archer's life was marked by both great success and significant controversy, including a two-year stint in prison for perjury.
