Date of Birth: February 18, 1929
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
Len Deighton, born Leonard Cyril Deighton, is a renowned British author and historian, widely recognized for his works in the spy fiction genre and his detailed histories of World War II. Born on February 18, 1929, in Marylebone, London, Deighton initially pursued a career in art and worked as an illustrator and graphic designer before turning to writing. His debut novel, “The IPCRESS File,” published in 1962, became an instant success and introduced the world to the character of Harry Palmer, a working-class spy. This novel was later adapted into a successful film starring Michael Caine. Deighton’s works often reflect his keen interest in military history, espionage, and the intricacies of intelligence work. Beyond fiction, he has authored several non-fiction books, including “Fighter: The True Story of the Battle of Britain” and “Blitzkrieg: From the Rise of Hitler to the Fall of Dunkirk,” which are acclaimed for their thorough research and accessible writing style. His contributions to literature and history have earned him a place among the most respected authors in his genres.
5 Interesting Facts about Len Deighton
1. Len Deighton served in the Royal Air Force before pursuing a career in the arts and literature.
2. He worked as a pastry chef at the Royal Festival Hall in London before becoming an illustrator and writer.
3. “The IPCRESS File” was adapted into a film in 1965, starring Michael Caine, which significantly boosted Deighton’s popularity.
4. Deighton has written cookbooks and illustrated them himself, combining his culinary skills with his artistic talent.
5. He has lived in various countries, including the United States, Portugal, and France, reflecting his broad cultural interests and experiences.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Len Deighton
1. “The problem with doing nothing is not knowing when you’re finished.”
2. “In the field of the counterintelligence, the question is not whether you will be betrayed, but when.”
3. “Anyone who is an expert in keeping secrets is also an expert in uncovering them.”
4. “Only when you are in the valley can you see the mountain, and only when you are on the mountain can you see the valley.”
5. “Writing is a combination of intangible creative fantasy and appallingly hard work.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Len Deighton is estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Len Deighton has two sons, both of whom have largely remained out of the public eye, respecting their father’s preference for privacy.
Relevant Links
1. [Len Deighton on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Len_Deighton
2. [Len Deighton’s Official Website](http://www.lendeighton.com/
3. [Len Deighton’s Books on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11277.Len_Deighton
5. [Len Deighton’s Profile on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0214820/
