Len Deighton died
The British author, Len Deighton, who was best known for his spy novels, has died at the age of 97.
Perhaps his most famous work, 1962's The Ipcress File was turned into a Bafta-winning film starring Michael Caine, and was re-made as an ITV series starring Peaky Blinders actor Joe Cole four years ago.
The story involved Cold War brainwashing and the development and testing of atomic weapons. Unlike James Bond, however, Deighton's secret agents were ordinary working-class people, often frustrated by the incompetence of their own side.
Deighton also authored a number of historical books about the Second World War and, as a cookery writer, helped to introduce French cuisine to the UK.
A keen illustrator, he was also responsible for more than 200 book covers, including the first UK edition of Jack Kerouac's On The Road.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cervgrvekxzo
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