Len Deighton (b.1929,) fully Leonard Cyril Deighton, is a British author, journalist, and historian, best known for his spy novels and military history books. Praised for intricate plots, realism, and sharp dialogue, he remains a key figure in espionage fiction.
Born in Marylebone, London, Deighton served in the Royal Air Force before studying at the Royal College of Art. He began as an illustrator, designing book covers, including the first UK edition of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road.
His breakthrough novel, The Ipcress File (1962,) introduced a working-class intelligence officer and was later adapted into a The Ipcress File film starring Michael Caine. He followed with Funeral in Berlin (1964,) Billion-Dollar Brain (1966,) and Spy Story (1974,) cementing his reputation. Beyond fiction, he wrote cookbooks, including Action Cook Book (1965,) pioneering graphic recipe storytelling.
His historical works include Blitzkrieg: From the Rise of Hitler to the Fall of Dunkirk (1979,) Blood, Tears, and Folly (1993,) and Battle of Britain (1980.) He also wrote Bomber (1970,) a World War II novel praised for its realism.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Len Deighton
In Mexico an air conditioner is called a politician because it makes a lot of noise but doesn’t work very well.
—Len Deighton
Topics: Politics, Politicians
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