By Our Reporter
British bestselling novelist and former Conservative politician Jeffrey Archer has died at the age of 86, just days before the publication of what was announced as his final novel, Adam and Eve.
Archer died “suddenly and peacefully” at his home on Monday, according to his publisher, HarperCollins. His death came a day after he appeared at a sold-out event at Leicester Square Theatre in London, where he discussed his forthcoming novel.
The author, whose works sold more than 300 million copies worldwide, was one of Britain’s most commercially successful novelists. His best-known books include Kane and Abel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less and the Clifton Chronicles series.
His books were published in 119 countries, while his works spent more than five years in total on The New York Times bestseller lists. HarperCollins UK chief executive and his editor, Kate Elton, described him as a “master storyteller”.
From Politics to Literary Fame
Archer entered politics before establishing himself as a literary giant. He was elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Louth in a 1969 by-election at the age of 29 and served in the House of Commons until 1974.
He returned to frontline Conservative politics in the 1980s and was appointed deputy chairman of the party under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1985.
His political career, however, was later overshadowed by scandal. He resigned as deputy chairman in 1986 following allegations involving a payment to a sex worker.
Archer subsequently sued the Daily Star over its report of the incident and won a libel case in 1987. Years later, it emerged that he had arranged a false alibi in connection with the case.
In 2001, he was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice and sentenced to four years in prison. He served two years before being released on parole in 2003.
His prison experience later became the basis for A Prison Diary. Despite his conviction, Archer returned to public life and continued his prolific writing career. He remained a member of the House of Lords until his retirement in 2024.
Final Novel
Archer continued writing well into his 80s, with Adam and Eve announced earlier this year as his final novel.
His last public appearance came on Sunday, when he joined broadcaster Gyles Brandreth at the London theatre event. Brandreth described Archer as being in “wonderful” form and praised him as a great storyteller.
Archer died the following day at his home.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, their two sons and five grandchildren. The couple had been married for 60 years and celebrated their anniversary earlier this year.