Jeffrey Archer Dies at 86
Best-selling author and former politician sold over 300 million books worldwide, with final novel due for release this month. He was a prominent Conservative politician who served under Margaret Thatcher.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Jeffrey Archer, a best-selling British novelist and former politician, has died aged 86. His publisher, HarperCollins, announced the news, saying he died suddenly and peacefully at home.
Archer sold more than 300 million copies worldwide during his five-decade writing career. His final novel, Adam and Eve, was set to be published this month.
Archer was also a prominent Conservative politician, serving as a member of parliament and later as a senior party official under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the mid-1980s.
However, his political career was marred by a conviction for perjury and perverting the course of justice in 2001. He was jailed for four years and released in 2003.
After his release, Archer returned to the House of Lords, where he served until his retirement in 2024. He had been working on his final novel at the time of his death.
Kate Elton, HarperCollins' UK CEO and Archer's editor, described him as a 'master storyteller' and said his readers 'meant everything to him'. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also paid tribute to Archer, saying his death was a 'huge shock'.
Archer's wife, Mary, and he had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. He was due to attend the Cheltenham Festival on Saturday to discuss his final novel.
Key facts
- Jeffrey Archer died aged 86
- He sold over 300 million books worldwide
- His final novel, Adam and Eve, was due for release this month
- He was a former Conservative politician and served under Margaret Thatcher
Three perspectives
Neutral
Jeffrey Archer's death has been met with tributes from the literary and political worlds. His legacy as a best-selling author and politician will be remembered. The publication of his final novel, Adam and Eve, is still expected to go ahead.
Positive
Archer's writing career spanned five decades and brought joy to generations of readers. His commitment to his craft was evident in his dedication to completing his final novel. He will be remembered as a master storyteller.
Negative
Archer's political career was marred by controversy, including a conviction for perjury. His legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both his literary achievements and his political setbacks.
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