Arthur Hailey(1920-2004)

Born April 5, 1920 in Luton, England, Arthur Hailey decided to become a full-time author in 1956 following the success of his original television drama Flight Into Danger (1956). For the next few years, he wrote teleplays for such legendary dramatic series as Playhouse 90 (1956), Kraft Television Theatre (1947), The United States Steel Hour (1953), "Goodyear-Philco Playhouse" (1955)_ and Studio One (1948). Soon after, Hailey became a novelist. "Flight Into Danger" was adapted as a novel, "Runway Zero-Eight" (1958). In 1959, "The Final Diagnosis" became his second bestseller and, in 1961, "In High Places" became his third.

It took Hailey four years to write his next novel: "Hotel" (1965), which remained on the national bestseller lists for a full year. "Airport" (1968) did even better. It was on the national lists for over a year, staying in the number one spot on The New York Times bestseller lists for an incredible 30 weeks. "Wheels" (1971), "The Moneychangers" (1975) and "Overload" (1979) also claimed the number one position on the national bestseller lists, further establishing Hailey as one of today's most popular novelists.

In 1979, Arthur Hailey announced his retirement. At this time, he discovered he was very ill and underwent a quadruple bypass heart operation. The surgery was a tremendous success, leaving Mr. Hailey feeling invigorated and bursting with creative energy. His wife, Sheila, suggested he put his energy to use and write another book. "Strong Medicine" was the wonderful result.