This is a portrait of Sidney Sheldon

The phenomenon of Sidney Sheldon: A Look at the Life and Work of a Best-Selling Author

Anshul Agrawal
3 min readFeb 7, 2023

Sidney Sheldon was an American writer and screenwriter who was one of the most successful and widely read authors of the 20th century. He was born on February 11, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois and died on January 30, 2007, in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 90 years old at the time of his death.

Sheldon began his career in Hollywood, writing for television and film. He wrote for several popular TV shows, including “The Patty Duke Show” and “I Dream of Jeannie.” He also wrote the screenplays for several films, including “Easter Parade” and “Annie Get Your Gun.”

In 1969, Sheldon turned his attention to writing novels and quickly established himself as a best-selling author. His first novel, “The Naked Face,” was published in 1970 and was followed by a series of highly successful books, including “The Other Side of Midnight” (1973), “A Stranger in the Mirror” (1976), and “Rage of Angels” (1980).

Sheldon’s novels were known for their fast-paced plots, intricate characters, and exotic settings. He often wrote about strong, independent women who faced challenges and overcame adversity. His books also tackled serious issues, such as mental illness, political corruption, and the abuse of power.

One of Sheldon’s most enduring works is “The Other Side of Midnight,” which is set in Paris and tells the story of a young American woman who becomes embroiled in a love triangle with two powerful men. The novel was a huge commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide and staying on the bestseller lists for over a year.

Another popular Sheldon novel is “Rage of Angels,” which follows the career of a young woman who rises to the top of the legal profession in New York City. The book was widely praised for its strong characters and its exploration of the cutthroat world of high-powered law firms.

Sheldon’s books have been translated into dozens of languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide. He won several awards for his writing, including the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America and the Silver Pen Award from the Romance Writers of America.

In addition to his writing, Sheldon was also known for his philanthropy. He established the Sidney Sheldon Foundation, which supports organisations that provide aid to women and children in need. He also made generous contributions to several other charities, including the American Cancer Society and the Motion Picture & Television Fund.

In conclusion, Sidney Sheldon was a talented and highly successful writer who had a profound impact on the world of popular fiction. His books remain widely read and beloved by millions of readers around the world. If you would like to learn more about Sheldon and his work, you can visit the following websites:

The Sidney Sheldon Official Website (www.sidneysheldon.com)

Sidney Sheldon: The Man and His Books (www.sidneysheldon.org)

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