LEN DEIGHTON

Born in Marylebone, London, Leonard (Len) Deighton performed his National Service as a photographer for the RAF's Special Investigation Branch. Thereafter he earned a scholarship to the Royal College of Art. In addition to working as an illustrator, he also earned money for a time as an airline steward with the BOAC. After his first book was published, he used his knowledge of and interest in cooking to become the cookery writer for The Observer and even illustrated cookbooks. He also earned money writing travel guides, including a time as travel editor for Playboy. With no doubt or argument, Len Deighton is universally considered one of the giants and pioneers of espionage fiction.