Frederick Forsyth
- Born:
- 25 August 1938, Ashford, Kent, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Author, Journalist, Pilot
Early Life and Education
- Educated at Tonbridge School.
- Served in the Royal Air Force as a pilot.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a journalist for Reuters news agency, covering events in Europe and Africa.
- Worked for the BBC as a reporter and assistant diplomatic correspondent.
- Achieved international fame with his debut novel, The Day of the Jackal, published in 1971.
- Known for his meticulously researched and suspenseful thrillers.
- Many of his novels have been adapted into successful films.
Notable Works
- The Day of the Jackal (1971)
- The Odessa File (1972)
- The Dogs of War (1974)
- The Devil's Alternative (1979)
- The Fourth Protocol (1984)
- The Cobra (2010)
Film Adaptations
| Film Title | Based On | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Day of the Jackal | The Day of the Jackal | 1973 (original), 1997 (remake) |
| The Odessa File | The Odessa File | 1974 |
| The Dogs of War | The Dogs of War | 1980 |
| The Fourth Protocol | The Fourth Protocol | 1987 |
Legacy and Impact
Frederick Forsyth is a highly successful and influential author known for his gripping and meticulously researched thrillers. His work has had a significant impact on the genre, influencing many subsequent writers and contributing to the popularity of political and espionage thrillers.
The literary contribution that defines the career of this author, is that each entry in the Frederick Forsyth biography can be defined through his impact on creating the modern thriller.