Jeffrey Archer, Celebrated Author and Former MP, Dies at 86
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Bestselling British author and former politician Jeffrey Archer died at 86. Known for his prolific career and novels like "Kane and Abel," Archer also served as a Member of Parliament and was appointed to the House of Lords before being convicted of perjury and serving prison time. His latest book is set to be released posthumously.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Bestselling British author Jeffrey Archer died unexpectedly at 86.
- Archer had a successful literary career, selling over 320 million books.
- He also had a political career, serving as an MP and in the House of Lords.
- Archer was convicted of perjury in 2001 and served prison time.
- His latest novel will be released posthumously as planned.
- Despite commercial success, he often faced criticism from literary circles.
British bestselling author Jeffrey Archer passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday at the age of 86. Archer, who began his literary career in 1976 and has sold over 320 million books worldwide, had met with fans just a day before his death, appearing in good health. His latest novel, "First Among Equals," is set to be released in Britain as scheduled.
Born in London, Archer's father, who was 64 at his birth, was later revealed to be a bigamist and con man who had fabricated his military past. Archer himself faced legal troubles, serving time in prison after a period of literary and political success. He was a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party and lost his fortune in a failed investment, leaving him heavily in debt. He was a close associate of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and was appointed to the House of Lords for life in 1992 on the recommendation of Prime Minister John Major. He later withdrew his candidacy for Mayor of London in 1999.
In 2001, Archer was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice stemming from a libel suit he filed against the Daily Star newspaper. The newspaper had published allegations of an affair between Archer and a woman involved in prostitution. During the trial, Archer used a false alibi and fabricated evidence. He was sentenced to four years in prison, serving approximately half his sentence before returning to writing.
Archer's immense success as a writer, fueled by his dramatic life events, helped him rebuild his life financially and publicly. Despite his commercial triumphs, he generally did not receive significant recognition from the literary establishment. His first novel, "Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less" (1976), written to escape debt, was adapted for radio and television. His 1979 novel "Kane and Abel" became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a television miniseries aired in numerous countries, including Israel.
Many of Archer's novels were popular with readers, though critics often described them as formulaic and predictable, featuring stereotypical characters. He authored dozens of books and plays, translated into about 50 languages and sold in over 100 countries, with many also translated into Hebrew. His Clifton Chronicles series follows the life of Harry Clifton and his family over several decades. Archer was known for his disciplined writing routine, dedicating many hours to his craft. However, some reviews noted a lack of editing and careless writing in his works. His thriller series featuring detective William Warwick also achieved commercial success, with "Nothing Ventured" reaching the New York Times bestseller list.
Regarding his final novel, "First Among Equals," set for release the day after his death, Archer considered it a greater story than "Kane and Abel," which had over 130 reprints in English. The British press acknowledged that while cultural figures often mocked Archer and his personal life provided ample material, he deserved more literary recognition than he received during his lifetime.