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Oct 10, 1924 — Sep 7, 1994· 69 yrs

AUSTRALIA AUTHOR · FICTION · HISTORY

James Clavell

Also known as: J. Clavell, James Clave

19
BOOKS
4.3
AVG RATING (43)
4
READERS

James Clavell (born Charles Edmund Dumaresq Clavell; October 10, 1924 – September 6, 1994) was an Australian-born British author, screenwriter, and director, best known for his Asian Saga consisting of 6 novels, including the critically acclaimed [Shōgun](1975). This epic historical novel, inspired by the story of English navigator William Adams, explores cultural clashes and survival in feudal Japan. It became an international bestseller and has been adapted twice for television: first as a groundbreaking NBC miniseries in 1980 and more recently in 2024 as a critically praised FX/Hulu series. Clavell’s experiences as a World War II prisoner of war in a Japanese camp deeply influenced his works, which are celebrated for their rich cultural detail and historical depth. In addition to his novels, he wrote screenplays for films such as The Great Escape (1963) and directed To Sir, with Love (1967). Naturalized as an American citizen later in life, Clavell left a legacy of storytelling that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. He passed away in Vevey, Switzerland, at the age of 69. :

Sydney, Australia
Wikipedia

Dirk Struan came up onto the quarterdeck of the flagship H.M.S. Vengeance, and strode for the gangway.

— from Tai-Pan (Asian Saga, 1966

Most acclaimed

#2

King Rat

1986

4.3 (17)

Something is stirring in London's dark, stamping out its territory in brickdust and blood. Something has murdered Saul Garamond's father, and left Saul to pay for the crime. But a shadow from the urban waste breaks into Saul's prison cell and leads him to freedom. A shadow called King Rat, who reveals Saul's royal heritage, a heritage that opens a new world to Saul, the world below London's streets--a heritage that also drags Saul into King Rat's plan for revenge against his ancient enemy. With drum 'n' bass pounding the backstreets, Saul must confront the forces that would use him, the forces that would destroy him, and the forces that shape his own bizarre identity.

#1

Tai-Pan (Asian Saga

1966

4.2 (5)

"It is the early 19th century, when European traders and adventurers first began to penetrate the forbidding Chinese mainland. And it is in this exciting time and exotic place that a giant of an Englishman, Dirk Straun, sets out to turn the desolate island of Hong Kong into an impregnable fortress of British power, and to make himself supreme ruler-- Tai-Pan!"--P. of cover.

#3

James Clavell's Tai-Pan

1983

5.0 (1)

Books

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