Sidney Sheldon ​

Sidney Sheldon was an American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. He received an Academy Award in 1949 for his screenplay The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer. His books have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide and he is one of the most read authors ever.

Quick Facts ​

• Was an American author and screenwriter.
• His works have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide.
• He is best known for his novel The Other Side of Midnight, which has been adapted into a film starring Marie-France Pisier and John Beck.
• Wrote 14 bestselling novels, including Rage of Angels, The Doomsday Conspiracy, Bloodline and Windmills of the Gods.
• Also wrote television miniseries such as Rich Man Poor Man (1976) and Wheels (1978).

Background ​

Sheldon was born in 1917, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a poor and abusive family, which inspired his writing. After high school he worked as a door-to-door salesman before joining the army during World War II. Upon returning from war he attended Northwestern University before moving to Hollywood to pursue a career as a screenwriter. In 1949 his first novel The Naked Face was published and it became an instant bestseller. This success encouraged him to focus on writing novels full time and over the next thirty years, Sheldon wrote twenty more bestselling novels including The Other Side of Midnight and A Stranger in the Mirror. He died at age 89 in 2007 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Sidney Sheldon's writing style is characterized by complex, multi-layered plots, suspenseful scenes, and cliffhangers. His books often featured strong female protagonists who were able to overcome difficult situations. He was one of the most popular authors of his time, selling over 300 million copies worldwide. He was known for being a master storyteller with an eye for detail and his work has had a lasting impact on popular fiction.

Notable Works ​

• The Naked Face (1970)
• The Other Side of Midnight (1973)
• A Stranger in the Mirror (1976)
• Bloodline (1977)
• Master of the Game (1982)
• Rage of Angels (1980