The Day of the Jackal

novel by Forsyth

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July 16, 2026

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The Day of the Jackal is a 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth. It fictionalizes a plot to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle. The story follows a highly skilled, enigmatic assassin known as the Jackal, who is hired to carry out the assassination, and the French intelligence agent determined to stop him. The novel is known for its detailed, journalistic style and fast-paced plot, drawing on Forsyth's experience as a news correspondent. It has been adapted into several films and a recent television series.123

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Carlos the Jackal
…a copy of Frederick Forsyth’s The Day of the Jackal, and Carlos was soon dubbed “Carlos the Jackal” by the media.
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…a copy of Frederick Forsyth’s The Day of the Jackal, and Carlos was soon dubbed “Carlos the Jackal” by the media.
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Frederick Forsyth
Books
Forsyth’s first and most-admired novel, The Day of the Jackal (1971; film 1973 and 1997 [the latter as The Jackal]), is based on rumors he had heard of an actual attempt to assassinate French Pres. Charles de Gaulle. Several other carefully researched thrillers followed, including The Odessa File (1972; film…
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Forsyth’s first and most-admired novel, The Day of the Jackal (1971; film 1973 and 1997 [the latter as The Jackal]), is based on rumors he had heard of an actual attempt to assassinate French Pres. Charles de Gaulle. Several other carefully researched thrillers followed, including The Odessa File (1972; film…
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Fred Zinnemann
Last films
…from Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 best-selling novel of the same name about a plot to assassinate French Pres. Charles de Gaulle. Edward Fox played the meticulously prepared assassin. Julia (1977), a much warmer film based on a portion of playwright Lillian Hellman’s memoirs, starred Jane Fonda as Hellman and Vanessa Redgrave…
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…from Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 best-selling novel of the same name about a plot to assassinate French Pres. Charles de Gaulle. Edward Fox played the meticulously prepared assassin. Julia (1977), a much warmer film based on a portion of playwright Lillian Hellman’s memoirs, starred Jane Fonda as Hellman and Vanessa Redgrave…
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The Day of the Jackal
…modern-day adaptation of a 1971 novel of the same name by English author Frederick Forsyth. The show first aired in November 2024 and follows a seasoned professional sniper hired to gun down high-profile targets. The first season was nominated for multiple awards, and a second season has been commissioned.
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…modern-day adaptation of a 1971 novel of the same name by English author Frederick Forsyth. The show first aired in November 2024 and follows a seasoned professional sniper hired to gun down high-profile targets. The first season was nominated for multiple awards, and a second season has been commissioned.
Read More