Bestselling author and ex-politician Lord Jeffrey Archer has died aged 86 following a prostate cancer battle, passing away peacefully between writing sessions
Bestselling author and former politician Lord Jeffrey Archer has died aged 86 following a battle with prostate cancer. The legendary writer passed away “suddenly and peacefully” between writing sessions, his publisher confirmed.
His death comes as a shock to fans after he appeared at a sold-out Leicester Square Theatre event in London just yesterday to sign books for hundreds of admirers. He was also due to make another public appearance in a matter of days to promote his latest release.
Lord Archer, who was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013 following a routine blood test, has sold hundreds of millions of books across the globe. His publisher noted that “his readers meant everything to him.”
Paying tribute, HarperCollins UK CEO Kate Elton said: “It has been one of the great privileges of my publishing life to have been Jeffrey Archer’s editor.”
She went on to describe him as “the master storyteller and an editor’s dream,” adding he was “phenomenally hard-working, utterly committed to completing draft after draft to get every word as perfect as possible.”
Just last month, the literary giant made a moving appearance on BBC Breakfast, urging “macho men” to get screened for prostate cancer.
Reflecting on his own diagnosis, he said: “I’ve been very aware of how lucky I am. I say to anybody listening – go to your doctor and check your PSA [Prostate Specific Antigen].
“There are too many stupid men who say, ‘Oh no, I’m a macho guy, I don’t do that sort of thing, I won’t be checking my PSA.’ Check your PSA.”
His final novel, Adam and Eve, was due to land on bookshelves this month, marking 50 years since his fiction debut.
Remembering his last project, Elton said: “When he set out to write Adam and Eve, he told me from the very beginning that it would be his final novel.
“He was so excited about the scale of it and told me that if he could pull it off it would equal anything he’d previously written, on which basis he couldn’t imagine embarking on any future novels.
“He did indeed pull it off – and he was utterly thrilled by the early reader reactions. We’re all devastated to have lost a writer who has brought joy to generations of readers – and a true friend.”
Archer’s 1979 blockbuster Kane and Abel remains one of history’s top-selling novels. He also holds a unique literary record as the only author to top the Sunday Times bestseller list across three separate categories: fiction, non-fiction and short story collections.
Before dominating the bestseller charts, he entered politics as the Conservative MP for Louth in 1969, stepping down in 1974 after financial difficulties.
He later returned to public life as a life peer in 1992 and was chosen as the Tory candidate for London Mayor.
Confirming his death, a HarperCollins spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that HarperCollins announces that bestselling author Jeffrey Archer, Lord Archer of Weston-Super-Mare, died suddenly and peacefully at home today, aged 86, between writing sessions.”
He leaves behind his wife, Dame Mary Archer, their sons James and William, and five grandchildren.