Jack Higgins

Jack Higgins was a bestselling English author, born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England as Henry Patterson. He went on to use various pseudonyms, including Jack Higgins, Martin Fallon, Hugh Marlowe, and James Graham, in his writing career. Primarily known for his thriller novels, Higgins has written over sixty books, with several adapted into films such as "The Eagle Has Landed," "A Prayer for the Dying," and "Windsor Protocol."

Higgins' upbringing in Belfast, Northern Ireland, exposed him to political and religious violence, which later became a significant influence in his writing. At seven years old, he survived being caught in gunfire while riding a tram and was in a Belfast movie theater when it was bombed. These early experiences shaped his perspective and often feature in his books, many of which prominently feature the Irish Republican Army. After attending grammar school and college in Leeds, England, Higgins joined the British Army, serving in the Household Cavalry and becoming an expert sharpshooter.

After his military service, Higgins earned a sociology degree from the London School of Economics and began teaching at two English colleges. In 1959, he started writing novels under the alias James Graham, eventually leaving teaching to write full-time. His breakthrough novel, "The Eagle Has Landed," became an international bestseller and established Higgins as a regular on bestseller lists. His works often draw from history, featuring prominent figures and significant events from conflicts such as World War II, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Higgins lived in Jersey, in the Channel Islands.

In summary, Jack Higgins, born as Henry Patterson, was a prolific English author who wrote over sixty novels under various pseudonyms. Best known for his Sean Dillon novels and thrillers, several of his works have been adapted into films. Having served in the British Army, his writing was influenced by his experiences in Northern Ireland and his military service. After pursuing a career in teaching, Higgins turned to writing full-time, achieving international success with "The Eagle Has Landed." His novels continue to be popular, with over 250 million copies sold and translations into fifty-five languages.