Breaking news yesterday, reported the death of author Jeffrey Archer who died unexpectedly at his home.
Archer had had a very successful career as a novelist, short story writer and playwright. He was a master storyteller. From Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less (published in 1976) he churned out a succession of novels selling more than 300 million books in over 100 countries. His 500+ page tome Kane & Abel (1979) is a compelling read and stands as one of the best selling books in the world with over 30 million copies.
Sadly there was downside to his career. Having been a Conservative MP from 1969 until 1974, he was then bankrupted, followed by a period of mixed fortunes. He was knighted in 1992, but in 2001 he was sentenced to 4 years in prison for perjury, being released in 2003.
His novels revived his career. But despite his obvious commercial success there has always been criticism of his writing style, implying a lack of depth at times and that he simply ‘churned out’ his books. In fact he was fastidious in his craft, producing draft after draft until he was satisfied with the result. He published 42 works translated in over 30 languages.
Yesterday he had spent time signing copies of his books, for hundreds of fans at the Leicester Square Theatre, alongside broadcaster Gyles Brandreth.
Tragically, his latest and, he had decided, his final book, Adam & Eve (Harper Collins) was published today 6 October.
Jeffrey Archer died ‘suddenly and peacefully’ at his home on 5 October. He was 86.
