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Bestselling Author and Former Politician Jeffrey Archer Dies at 86
Confirmed
In Short: British author Jeffrey Archer, known for his best-selling novels and political career, died suddenly at age 86.
HarperCollins announced that Jeffrey Archer, a best-selling novelist and prominent British politician, died peacefully at his home on Monday, Oct. 5, at the age of 86.
Archer was a prolific writer whose novels sold over 300 million copies worldwide. His final novel, 'Adam & Eve,' was set to be released on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Archer's editor, Kate Elton, described him as a 'master storyteller and an editor's dream,' highlighting his dedication to perfecting his craft.
Archer's career was marked by both literary success and political controversy. He served as a Conservative Member of Parliament and was appointed deputy chairman of the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher.
In 1999, Archer's political career suffered a significant setback when he was forced to withdraw from the race to become the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London after reports surfaced that he had asked a friend to provide a false alibi.
Archer's personal life was also notable. He celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Dame Mary Archer, earlier this year.
Despite facing legal challenges, including a conviction for perjury, Archer used his experiences as material for his novels, such as his debut 'Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less,' published in 1975.
Archer was due to appear at the Cheltenham Literary Festival this week to discuss his final novel, but his sudden death has put those plans on hold.
The family has asked for privacy and for fans to share their memories of Archer, emphasizing how much he was loved and how proud they are of him.
Archer's legacy includes his contributions to literature and his impact on British politics, leaving behind a rich body of work and a colorful personal history.
What this adds
Archer's sudden death came between writing sessions, according to HarperCollins.
Archer had previously revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014.
What's confirmed
- British author Jeffrey Archer, who penned a series of best-selling novels, served as a Conservative MP and was convicted of perjury, died suddenly at 86, his publisher HarperCollins said.
- Archer died "suddenly and peacefully at his home between writing sessions" on Monday, HarperCollins said.
- His editor, Kate Elton, called him a "master storyteller and an editor's dream".
- Archer had revealed in 2014 that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- The author led a life as colourful as the characters in his novels, which sold over 300 million copies, according to his website.
- However, with typical resilience he used his experiences as material for his first book "Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less", published in 1975, the first of a series of blockbusters set in the worlds of high finance and politics.
- Famously praised for her "fragrance" by the judge in the 1987 libel trial, she once said: "We've explored the further reaches of 'for better and for worse' than most couples."
What's still developing
- Archer had sued the newspaper over a claim he had slept with a prostitute, winning £500,000 in damages.
- Ambitious from his earliest years, Archer used his charm and fund-raising abilities to climb almost to the top of the Conservative Party.
- The friend of Princess Diana and a former member of Parliament who served in the House of Lords for over 25 years is survived by his wife Dame Mary Archer, their two sons, two granddaughters and three grandsons, according to HarperCollins.
- The author spent a total of 14 years and five months on the Sunday Times bestseller lists and 5 1/2 years on the New York Times bestseller lists, selling 300 million books over his career.
- “It has been one of the great privileges of my publishing life to have been Jeffrey Archer’s editor,” she said in a statement, according to BBC.
- “He was the master storyteller and an editor’s dream - phenomenally hard-working, utterly committed to completing draft after draft to get every word as perfect as possible, and a true champion of the ‘team’ nature of great publishing.” Alongside his literary success, Archer’s career as a conservative politician was defined by high-profile roles and spectacular public downfalls.
- Archer resigned in 1974 after financial difficulties following the collapse of an investment in the Canadian company Aquablast.
- Former politician Jeffrey Archer has died aged 86, his publisher said in a statement.
- “He was the master storyteller and an editor’s dream – phenomenally hard-working, utterly committed to completing draft after draft to get every word as perfect as possible, and a true champion of the ‘team’ nature of great publishing.” Just days before his death, Archer spoke of plans to discuss his final novel Adam and Eve at a public appearance that was to take place this coming weekend.
- "It's wonderful to come back. What I got a real thrill about when I was walking towards the library is seeing the young boys and girls and thinking, 'that's the next generation'," Archer said at Wellington School.
- He wrote: "His gift for storytelling was matched by his wit, warmth and boundless energy. Life was never dull in Jeffrey's company."
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