Arthur Hailey was born on April 5, 1920, in Luton, England. He grew up in a working-class family, and his upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the value of a hard day's work. As a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a pilot, and this dream would later influence much of his writing.
Hailey's writing career began during World War II when he served in the Royal Air Force. It was during this time that he found his passion for storytelling and began writing in his spare time. After the war, he worked as a journalist for the Canadian newspaper, the Toronto Star. It was here that he honed his craft and developed his signature style of intertwining complex stories with detailed depictions of various industries.
Hailey's big break came in 1958 when he published his first novel, "Runway Zero-Eight." The book was a critical and commercial success, and Hailey quickly established himself as a rising star in the literary world. He followed up this success with a string of bestsellers, each set in a different industry such as banking, the airline business, and the stock market.
Some of Hailey's best-known works include "Airport," a novel centered around a busy metropolitan airport, and "The Moneychangers," which delves into the world of high finance. Perhaps his most famous work, "In High Places," is a gripping thriller set in the world of international diplomacy and espionage. Hailey's ability to immerse readers in the intricacies of various industries while still delivering a compelling narrative set him apart as a master storyteller.
In his personal life, Hailey was known for his adventurous spirit and his love of travel. He and his wife, Sheila, lived in various locations around the world, including the Bahamas, where they enjoyed a quiet and secluded life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sheila later published a memoir titled "I Married a Best-Seller," which provided insight into their marriage and Hailey's writing process.
Hailey passed away in 2004 at the age of eighty-four, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking novels that continue to captivate readers to this day.
Arthur Hailey's impact on the literary world cannot be overstated. His meticulous research and attention to detail set a new standard for realism in fiction, and his ability to weave together intricate plots with compelling characters earned him a legion of devoted fans. Through his work, he immortalized the worlds of banking, aviation, and finance, leaving behind a body of work that will stand the test of time.