Anthony Price, whose birth name is Alan Anthony Price, is a British author well-known for his series of mystery thriller novels, which he wrote between 1970 and 1990. Price's works are predominantly spy thrillers, with the exception of his nonfiction book, "The Eyes of the Fleet: A Popular History of Frigates and Frigate Captains," published in 1990. His series of novels is highly regarded for its rich historical fiction, high levels of plausibility, and intricate connections between the books. The series features the operatives of one of Britain's most effective branches of intelligence, which Price later identified as the Research and Development Department.
Price was born in Hertfordshire in 1928 and received his education at King's School, Canterbury, and Oxford. After completing his education, he embarked on a long career in journalism, which culminated in his role as Editor of the Oxford Times. Price's literary thrillers have earned comparisons to the works of Graham Greene, Ernest Hemingway, and Robert Goddard, highlighting his skill as a writer of spy novels.
In terms of his academic background, Price attended Merton College in Oxford, where he studied history and graduated with an M.A in 1956. Before attending university, Price served in the army for two years, during which time he attained the rank of Captain. After leaving the army in 1949, Price joined the Westminster Press in 1952, where he worked as a journalist until 1988. He also served as editor for the Oxford Times between 1972 and 1988. Price's diverse background in journalism, military service, and history likely contributed to his ability to write such compelling and intricate spy novels.