Jeffrey Archer, Novelist and Former MP, Dies at 86

Jeffrey Archer, the best-selling author and former Conservative Member of Parliament, has died at the age of 86. His death comes just a day before the publication of his final novel, "Adam and Eve." Archer sold over 320 million books worldwide across 115 countries, earning him a fortune estimated at £200 million.

Born in London in 1940, Archer's life was characterized by remarkable comebacks from adversity. In 1974, he lost everything when an investment in a Canadian industrial cleaning company called Aquablast proved to be a scam, leading to his bankruptcy and forcing him to resign his seat as MP for Louth. At 34, penniless and with a growing family, he turned to writing, producing his first novel, "Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less." This marked the beginning of a 50-year literary career that included 31 novels, three stage plays, and numerous short stories.

Archer's political career saw him serve as a Conservative MP and later as Deputy Party Chairman under Margaret Thatcher. However, his life also included significant controversy. In 2001, he was found guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice related to a 1987 libel trial, for which he served two years in prison. Despite this, he returned to the House of Lords and continued his writing career.

His literary success, particularly with the novel "Kane and Abel" published in 1979, catapulted him to fame and fortune. Despite his prolific output, Archer claimed to write all his novels by hand, eschewing computers. The wealth accumulated from his writing allowed him to build an extensive art collection, reportedly featuring works by Picasso, Monet, L.S. Lowry, Andy Warhol, and Camille Pissarro. He auctioned off about 10 percent of his collection in 2011 for over £5 million.

Archer's personal life was also notable for his marriage to Mary, now Dame Mary Archer, a distinguished scientist, whom he met when she was a chemistry student at Oxford. They married in 1966. In his final interview, he spoke of his enduring love for his wife, stating he would be "lost without her."

Beyond his literary and political pursuits, Archer was an accomplished amateur athlete and remained active into his later years, reportedly going to the gym three times a week at age 70 and continuing to umpire cricket matches.

Tributes poured in following the news of his death. Kate Elton, UK CEO of HarperCollins, described him as "the master storyteller and an editor's dream - phenomenally hard-working." Tory leader Kemi Badenoch shared her sadness, noting Archer had sent her an encouraging message that same morning.

Archer's death occurred just one day after he appeared with his friend Gyles Brandreth at a London event promoting his new book, "Adam and Eve." His life, often described as exasperating to friends and infuriating to foes, was ultimately seen as entertaining to the end.