It is with sadness that this blog notes the passing of Len Deighton, announced today (15 March 2026) by his family. He was 97.
This blog exists as a companion to the main Deighton Dossier website, which I created nearly twenty years ago now. I did so, as a reader, upon finding that online, there were few, if any, quality websites for readers, and collectors, to find out more about the author,
Since then, I think that the Deighton Dossier has played its part in keeping the author's works visible online, even as he enjoyed retirement for the last thirty years, out of the spotlight. And this blog too, has played its role, even though blogs are - like high buttoned shoes and loose leaf tea - something of an anachronism in this social media age.
So, it is probably time to put a lid on this blog. I will keep it up, as there are many articles which readers may still want to explore, and I know from my experiences today online and offline that with his passing, people have again shown interest in the author's works - for example, people who may have remembered reading a novel of his twenty five years ago - and younger readers, looking for classics to read, may well come to this blog, or the Deighton Dossier, and find something that inspires them to read.
In that sense, job done.
Rob
ReplyDeleteThe passing of a great man and a literary giant. The influence of LD’s books on the spy genre was and remains huge. So many original things - the covers, the ephemera, etc! And the books themselves! The “Harry Palmer” and Samson books were really terrific. And whilst there have been comparisons with Le Carre, that is only because he was the last of the Holy Trinity of SpyFi that kept on writing - Fleming, Deigton, with, for me, Le Carre third. I first read The Ipcress File in 1962 as a 15 year old, and his influence was huge and immediate. Now, more than 60 years later, he remains my favourite spy writer. Le Carre, and later most spy authors, including other favourites such as Mick Herron, Charles Cumming, and now David McCloskey, were all influenced by LD’s working class spy hero. And thanks to you Rob for showcasing LD and his works in the DD and this blog. I’ve enjoyed every item!
Best
Raki
I was sad to hear of his passing, but I’m heartened by the fact that I still have much of his works to read. Kudos to you for maintaining this wonderful blog, and I’m sure that, through your efforts, Mr Deighton was made aware and reminded of how much his work meant to his many fans. His passing marks the end of an era.
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