Jeffrey Archer

NAME: Jeffrey Archer

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Jeffrey Archer is renowned for his multifaceted career, excelling as a best-selling author, former politician, and accomplished businessman. His life unfolded like a riveting novel.

BIRTH: Born on April 15, 1940, in London, England. His father, William, was 64-years-old at the time.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Archer comes from a modest background. His father, William Archer, was a printer, and his mother, Lola Cook, was a journalist.

CHILDHOOD: Growing up in Weston-super-Mare, a small town in Somerset, Jeffrey experienced a middle-class upbringing with a focus on education and values.

It was here, amidst the seaside air, that Lola, his indomitable mother, took center stage. A local councilor and a columnist in the town's paper, she wove tales of Jeffrey's exploits, affectionately dubbing him "Tuppence" in her chronicles.

EDUCATION: Archer attended Wellington School and later studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he displayed early signs of his leadership abilities by becoming the president of the University Conservative Association.

CAREER RECORD:  A brief stint as a Member of Parliament (1969–1974) came to an end after a financial storm left him teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.

Climbing out of the financial abyss, Archer took up the pen and crafted his debut novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, in 1976. Inspired by his own brush with financial ruin, it paved the way for literary success. The zenith came in 1979 with Kane and Abel, a magnum opus that crowned The New York Times bestsellers list.

The 1980s saw Archer's foray into playwriting, with Beyond Reasonable Doubt enjoying a triumphant run in London's West End. In 2000, he took center stage in his own play, The Accused, marking a new chapter in his theatrical ventures.

Archer's life took a political turn when he became a life peer in 1992, courtesy of John Major's government.

APPEARANCE: With a commanding presence, Archer is often described as well-groomed, maintaining a distinguished and polished appearance.

Jeffrey Archer in 2012 By Bjørn Erik Pedersen - Wikipedia

FASHION: Known for his sartorial elegance, Archer has a penchant for classic and tailored suits, contributing to his polished public image.

CHARACTER: Archer is recognized for his charisma, resilience, and ambition. His determined nature has been a driving force throughout his diverse career.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Possessing a sharp wit, Archer's sense of humor is characterized by clever wordplay and a quick, engaging banter.

RELATIONSHIPS: Jeffrey Archer married Mary Weeden in July 1966, Their love story unfolded against the backdrop of Oxford University, where Jeffrey pursued a Diploma in Education. A first date that involved the suave charm of James Bond in Dr. No set the stage for their future together.

The couple has weathered challenges together, displaying a strong and enduring partnership.

They have two sons, William and James

MONEY AND FAME: Archer's life has been marked by fame, both as a politician and an author, with his novels selling millions of copies worldwide.

He has amassed a fortune from his books and investments, but also faced financial troubles and lawsuits.

In 1974 Archer was nearly bankrupted, when he foolishly invested £200,000 of his own money and £200,000 he had borrowed in a Canadian company called Aquablast, which turned out to be fraudulent, on the advice of an American bank. He ended up £400,000 – equivalent to a couple of million pounds today – in debt. So Archer sat down and wrote his first novel, Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less, which went some way towards paying off his debts. (1)

FOOD AND DRINK: Known to appreciate fine dining, Archer enjoys a diverse range of cuisines and has a taste for quality wines.

In the early 1980s, Jeffrey Archer, began hosting extravagant gatherings at his London residence. His penthouse, situated along the River Thames, boasted stunning views of the iconic Houses of Parliament. These soirées were renowned for their opulence, where guests indulged in Krug champagne and hobnobbed with influential figures. The menu was an intriguing mix: while the bubbly flowed freely, the culinary centerpiece was none other than shepherd’s pie.  

MUSIC AND ARTS: An avid supporter of the arts, Archer's interests span classical music, theater, and literature, reflecting his broad cultural appreciation.

Archer buys a picture or a sculpture to celebrate the publication of each book.  His most expensive purchase was a Picasso, which he treated himself to after As The Crow Flies came out in the early 1990s. (1)

LITERATURE: He is an avid reader of literature, especially historical fiction and thrillers

As an accomplished author, Archer's literary contributions include bestsellers like Kane and Abel and The Clifton Chronicles, showcasing his storytelling prowess.

According to Archer, his wife Mary is the last person to read his novels before they are published, because she's very good on commas.

NATURE: Archer has expressed a fondness for nature, evident in his conservation efforts and support for environmental causes.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Oxford wasn't just a place for academic pursuits for Archer; he sprinted, hurdled, and presided over the Oxford University Athletic Club, earning himself a coveted blue in athletics and representing England on the track. 

He has various hobbies and sports, such as running, skiing and chess. 

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not his primary focus, Archer has demonstrated an appreciation for science and mathematics throughout his academic and literary pursuits.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Archer's life has been shaped by a sense of duty and moral principles, evident in his political career and philanthropic endeavors.

He has some philosophical and theological views, such as believing in God and free will

SCANDAL: On July 24, 1987, a libel battle against the Daily Star resulted in a monumental victory for Archer, with £500,000 in damages. The lawsuit stemmed from a story published in January 1987, which alleged that Archer had slept with a prostitute. The claim was based on the testimony of Monica Coghlan, who asserted that she had a sexual relationship with Archer in 1986.

However, the triumph was later overshadowed by the darkness of a prison sentence in 2001, where Archer was sentenced for four years for perjury and perverting the course of justice, stemming from the very libel case that once defined his fortunes.

MILITARY RECORD: Jeffrey Archer has no military record, but he has written about war and espionage.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Archer has had some health and physical fitness issues, such as prostate cancer and hip replacement

HOMES: Over the years, Archer has owned several properties, including a notable residence in Grantchester, Cambridgeshire. His penthouse, situated along the River Thames, boasted stunning views of the Houses of Parliament. 

TRAVEL: His diverse career has taken him around the world, allowing Archer to experience various cultures and landscapes.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Archer has been a frequent guest on television shows and has made appearances in the media, discussing his books, politics, and personal life.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Archer's achievements include his successful political career, prolific writing, and contributions to philanthropy, demonstrating his versatility and impact on multiple fronts.

He has achieved many awards and honours, such as the Edgar Award, the Golden Pen Award and the Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Source (1) Daily Mail