British author Jeffrey Archer, known for his bestselling novels and scandal-plagued political career, has died at the age of 86. His publisher, HarperCollins, confirmed his death on Monday. Archer was a prominent figure in British literature, with over 300 million copies of his books sold worldwide. His novels, including "Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less" and "Kane & Abel", were popular for their fast-paced thrillers.
Archer's literary career spanned several decades, with his debut novel published in 1976. He went on to write numerous bestselling books, including his final novel, "Adam and Eve", which is set to be published on Tuesday. 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 was also a frequent promoter of his work, recently appearing on radio shows and scheduled to speak at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
In addition to his literary career, Archer was also a prominent Conservative politician. He briefly served as a lawmaker before becoming a senior party official under then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the mid-1980s. However, his political career was marred by scandal, including a high-profile libel case in which he was accused of lying. Archer sued the Daily Star tabloid for saying he had paid a woman for sex, winning a then-record £500,000 in damages.
Archer's libel case returned to the public eye when he was selected as the Conservative candidate to become London's first elected mayor in 1999. A former friend accused him of lying, and Archer was eventually charged with perjury and perverting the course of justice. He was convicted and sentenced to four years' imprisonment, serving two years during which time he wrote "A Prison Diary".
The trial of Archer's libel case became notorious for the judge's summing up of evidence given by Archer's wife Mary. The judge, Bernard Caulfield, made comments about Mary's appearance and Archer's alleged behavior. Archer's reputation as one of the most colourful figures in British public life did not harm his literary career, with his books continuing to be widely read and popular.
Kate Elton, HarperCollins' UK CEO and Archer's editor, paid tribute to him, saying that they were "all devastated to have lost a writer who has brought joy to generations of readers — and a true friend". Archer died suddenly and peacefully, "between writing sessions", according to HarperCollins.
Archer's legacy as a bestselling author and scandal-plagued politician is complex and multifaceted. While his literary career was marked by huge success, his personal life was marred by controversy and scandal. His final novel, "Adam and Eve", is set to be published on Tuesday, providing a lasting testament to his literary talent.
Key points
- Jeffrey Archer died at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as a bestselling author and scandal-plagued politician.
- Archer's literary career spanned several decades, with over 300 million copies of his books sold worldwide.
- His personal life was marred by controversy and scandal, including a high-profile libel case and a prison sentence.
