TanzaniaJeffrey Archer Dies
Former Conservative politician and novelist dies aged 86, a day before his final book's release. He died peacefully at home between writing sessions, his publisher said.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Jeffrey Archer, a former Conservative politician and bestselling novelist, has died at the age of 86. His publisher, Harper Collins, said he died peacefully at home between writing sessions.
Archer had a successful career as a novelist, with his first book, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, published in 1976. He spent a total of 14 years and five months on the Sunday Times bestseller lists and over five years on the New York Times bestseller lists, selling 300 million books in 119 countries in 49 languages.
Archer was a Conservative MP for five years before serving as the party's deputy chairman. However, his political career was ended when he was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice in 2001 and imprisoned for four years.
Kate Elton, Harper Collins UK's chief executive and Archer's editor, described him as a master storyteller and an editor's dream. She said he was phenomenally hard-working and utterly committed to completing draft after draft to get every word as perfect as possible.
Archer's death came just one day before the publication of his new novel, Adam and Eve. He spent the weekend promoting the book, including signing copies in London.
Archer was also a campaigner for prison reform after his own experience in prison. He had also recently visited his former school, urging men to undergo routine prostate cancer screenings, a disease he was diagnosed with in 2013.
Archer's final book, Adam and Eve, is due to be released this week. His publisher said he died suddenly and peacefully at his home.
Key facts
- Jeffrey Archer died aged 86
- He died peacefully at home between writing sessions
- Archer was a former Conservative politician and bestselling novelist
- He sold 300 million books in 119 countries in 49 languages
Three perspectives
Neutral
The news of Archer's death has been met with tributes from the literary and political worlds. His legacy as a writer and politician will be remembered. The publication of his final book, Adam and Eve, will go ahead as planned.
Positive
Archer's commitment to his craft and his dedication to prison reform are a testament to his character. His writing career spanned five decades, and his books have been enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
Negative
Archer's political career was marred by controversy, including his conviction for perjury and perverting the course of justice. His imprisonment and subsequent release did not deter him from continuing to write and campaign for prison reform.
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