Jeffrey Archer lived a life more curious, colourful and at times outrageous than any he could have concocted on the page
Jeffrey Archer, the bestselling British novelist and former Conservative MP, has died at 86. His death came just hours before the publication of his final novel, ending a remarkable life marked by both literary success and spectacular scandal, including a prison sentence for perjury.
Over a 50-year career, Archer sold more than 320 million books across 115 countries through 31 novels, three plays and numerous short stories. His career began after bankruptcy in 1974, when he lost £350,000 in a scam investment; he recovered by writing his debut novel, which became a bestseller. Though celebrated as a storyteller, Archer was notorious for fabricating his own history, including false claims about being the youngest MP when elected in 1969 and padding his qualifications, before serving two years in prison in 2001 for perjury.
- Bestselling author Jeffrey Archer died at 86, hours before his final novel's release
- Sold 320 million books but served prison time for perjury
- Rose from bankruptcy in 1974 by writing his first novel
New here? Start with this
Jeffrey Archer was one of Britain's most commercially successful novelists, having sold over 320 million books across more than 50 years. He was also a former Conservative Member of Parliament, though his life became as renowned for scandal as for his literary output.
His writing career began after financial disaster. In 1974 he lost £350,000 in an investment scam, leaving him bankrupt. He responded by turning to writing, and his debut novel became a bestseller, launching a prolific career spanning 31 novels, plays and numerous short stories.
Behind the literary success lay a pattern of fabrication. Archer falsified aspects of his personal history, including false claims about his age when he entered Parliament and exaggerated qualifications. In 2001, he served two years in prison for perjury after being convicted of lying under oath in a legal case.