Clifford Irving

Clifford Irving was a prominent American author and investigative reporter, known for his extensive contributions to the literary field. Throughout his career, he published a notable collection of 20 novels, showcasing his versatility and skill as a writer. However, it was a particular literary project that brought him significant attention, albeit for controversial reasons. Irving had claimed to be working on an "autobiography" of the billionaire recluse Howard Hughes, allegedly written from Hughes' own accounts.

The project, slated for publication in 1972, ultimately led to a high-profile scandal when Hughes publicly denounced Irving's work and sued the publisher, McGraw-Hill. The controversy culminated in Irving and his collaborators admitting to fabricating the autobiography, revealing a significant literary hoax. As a result, Irving was convicted of fraud and sentenced to two and a half years in prison, serving 17 months of his term. Despite this notable setback, Irving's literary career spanned a considerable body of work, with his 20 novels remaining a testament to his writing abilities.