Life Story of Jeffrey Archer

The Novelist

The author and novelist Jeffrey Archer had many twists in turns in his life, but indeed it was an accomplished life he lived.

Jeffrey Archer's Life's Twists and Turns With Great Literary Success

Jeffrey Howard Archer was born on April 15, 1940 in London, England.

He has lived a life as compelling and dramatic as the novels he writes.

From humble beginnings to a great literary success, his life story reads like one of his own plot-driven narratives.

Early Life and Education
Jeffrey Archer's father was William Archer, who was a printer and who died when Jeffrey was just 15. His mother was Lola Cook, who was a journalist.

Jeffrey Archer spent his early years in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, UK.

Though he had a modest background and circumstances, but his mother encouraged and helped cultivate his storytelling abilities from an early age.

Jeffrey Archer attended Wellington School in Somerset on a scholarship. He was not an exceptional academic student, but he displayed good abilities in sports and leadership.

He later attended the Department of Education at Oxford University, where he earned a diploma in education. During his time at Oxford, he became known for his involvement in athletics, serving as president of the Oxford University Athletics Club.

Early Career and Political Rise
After graduation, Jeffrey Archer briefly worked as a physical education teacher.

However, his ambitions led him into politics, and at age 29, he became one of the youngest members of Parliament, representing the Conservative Party for Louth, Lincolnshire (1969-1974).

His political career seemed promising but he got hard pressed in some financial difficulties which forced him to resign in 1974.

Though this was a setback in his life but it eventually led to an unexpected turn of events that defined the rest of his life.

Jeffrey Archer Literary Career

Interesting as it may turn out to be.

When Jeffrey was under heavy financial debt, he chose 'writing' as a means of earning money.

His first novel, "Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less" (1976), was inspired by his own financial misfortunes.

The first book achieved modest success, selling around 3,000 copies in hardback, however, it was his second novel that put him in the lime light.

The second novel "Kane and Abel" (1979) became an international sensation, which sold over 37 million copies worldwide. It became one of the best-selling novels of all time.

'Kane and Able' portrays a tale of two men (Kane & Able) who were born on the same day but had crossed their paths with intricate plot twists.

Major Literary Works and Sales:
- "Kane and Abel" (1979) - 37 million copies
- "As the Crow Flies" (1991) - 7 million copies
- "Honor Among Thieves" (1993) - 4 million copies
- "The Fourth Estate" (1996) - 3 million copies
- "A Prisoner of Birth" (2008) - 5 million copies
- "Paths of Glory" (2009) - 4 million copies
- The Clifton Chronicles series (2011-2017) - Combined sales of over 20 million copies

Throughout his career, Jeffrey Archer has published over 37 books, including novels, short story collections, and children's books, with total sales exceeding 275 million copies worldwide.

Writing Style and Method
Jeffrey Archer always maintained a strict daily routine when he was working on a novel.

He typically wrote from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with two-hour breaks, producing multiple drafts of each book.

That means almost 12 hours of daily writing. Well, by any standards that is simply HUGE.

His stories often featured themes of ambition, power, revenge, and redemption, drawing from his own experiences in politics and public life.

Achievements and Recognition
In addition to his literary success, Jeffrey Archer has received numerous accolades:
- Made a Life Peer as Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare in 1992
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
- Several of his books have been adapted for television and film
- His plays have been successfully produced in London's West End

Personal Life and Controversy

Jeffrey Archer married Mary Weeden, a scientist, in 1966.

They have two sons, William and James. Mary has stood by him through numerous controversies, including his financial difficulties in the 1970s and later legal troubles.

In 2001, Jeffrey Archer faced his biggest personal crisis when he was convicted of perjury in a 1987 libel case. For that he served two years in prison in the UK.

However, being a true writer in spirit and soul, during this difficult time in the prison he wrote "A Prison Diary," which was published in three volumes.

Wrap Up

In one way, Jeffrey Archer's legacy is a bit complex.

Hs political career did not go as desired. It ended in controversy.

However, his literary career went up with flying colors.

His made a big impact on popular literature. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to craft compelling stories that appeal to readers worldwide, regardless of cultural boundaries.

He has been involved in many charitable works including raising millions for various causes through auctions of his original manuscripts and other activities.

Despite personal setbacks in his life, Jeffrey Archer has shown remarkable resilience, continuing to produce bestselling novels well into his eighties.

Current Life
Jeffrey Archer continues to write and publish even in his 80s (as of end of 2024)

He divides his time between homes in London and Mallorca, maintaining an active schedule of writing and public appearances.

His current writing works continue to be on the top bestseller lists.

Jeffrey Archer's life story with its own twists and turns have suited well as a great inspiration for him to craft compelling human stories that portray the elements of  ambition, success, failure, redemption, and persistence his novels (fiction)

I guess this is what the writer should be.

If once a writer, then be always a writer till the end.

Jeffrey Archer perhaps is now very clear on this mantra.

He has exerted a tremendous influence on popular literature and he still captivates his readers with his stories. 

As an ongoing legacy, he has definitely secured his place as one of the most successful authors of his generation.

You may read more about Jeffrey Archer at Wikipedia