The passing of a renowned author is a hard hit for their readers and the libraries that carried their work. Tom Clancy (1947-2013) started out in the insurance industry but dreamed of mixing writing with his love of all things military. Over the years, Clancy’s books (over two dozen in total) inspired several television and film adaptations with famous celebrities taking on the role of his best known character, Jack Ryan.
For those unfamiliar with Clancy’s writing, his usual territory could be found in spy and military thrillers set during or after the Cold War. His books are known for the level of detail and realism throughout their pages. In addition to fiction, Clancy wrote non-fiction including military history and biographical works. More recent endeavours took him into the writing and development of video games and the gaming industry. A recent article in the Globe and Mail lauded Clancy’s skills in storytelling, characterization and plot.
His first book, The Hunt for Red October, was released in 1984 and only gained momentum as the years went by. Clancy earned a devoted following of readers and fans with this title and the resulting blockbuster film in 1990. This masterpiece of military fiction follows the theme of a great espionage coup and the chase for a top secret Russian submarine.
Popular releases soon followed in 1987 (Patriot Games) and 1989 (Clear and Present Danger). Clancy’s final book is scheduled for publication in December 2013 and will be titled Command Authority. “There’s a new strong man in Russia but his rise to power is based on a dark secret hidden decades in the past. The solution to that mystery lies with a most unexpected source, President Jack Ryan.”
Fans of Tom Clancy’s work might also want to try out similar authors such as Dale Brown, Vince Flynn, and Frederick Forsyth. And as an added insight into the larger than life personality of Tom Clancy, did you know he was a part owner of the major league baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles; or that he owned a tank, yeah that’s right...a tank.
Jesse Roberts
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