Len Deighton was born in London, England on February 18, 1929. He served in the Royal Air Force Special Investigations Branch and graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1955. Before becoming the master of the modern spy thriller, he worked as an airline steward and as an illustrator. His first novel, The Ipcress File, was published in 1962. His other novels include Funeral in Berlin, Berlin Game, Mexico Set, London Match, Spy Hook, Spy Line, and Spy Sinker. He also writes television plays and cookbooks.