Tom Clancy

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Full name Thomas L. Clancy Jr. (1947- ). American author of political thrillers heavily based on intelligence and military science? concepts.

Whilst the literary merit of his books is disputed by many professional authors and reviewers (who regard Clancy's prose as pedestrian), most have been bestsellers. Fans of his work appreciate the well-thought-out plots and the attention to technical detail (helped by seemingly extensive contacts in the US military, perhaps encouraged by the uniformly favourable view of the American law enforcement and military communities portrayed in his work). The Hunt For Red October, Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger have been turned into commercially successful films.

In recent years, his novels have become more political, showcasing many of his conservative, pro-military and law-enforcement beliefs. In Executive Orders?, his signature character Jack Ryan becomes President of the United States. Some Clancy fans have objected to this focus on politics rather than on the military subjects that his novels are famous for. Nevertheless, his books have continued to sell briskly.

Clancy has also written several nonfiction books about various branches of the US armed forces (see nonfiction, below.)

Books (fiction):

All but one of his 11 novels feature Jack Ryan and/or John Clark?

• The Hunt For Red October -- Clancy's first novel. Jack Ryan assists in the defection of a respected Soviet naval captain (Sean Connery in the movie), along with the most advanced missile sub of the Soviet fleet.
• Red Storm Rising? -- war between US and USSR (no Ryan or Clark)
• Patriot Games? -- chronologically first apperance of Ryan -- who saves the Prince of Wales from terrorists in the book, some other royal in the movie.
• The Cardinal of the Kremlin -- first appearance of John Clark -- secret anti-satellite lasers, high-stakes diplomacy, spies and computer geeks.
• Clear and Present Danger? -- drug war in Columbia -- Ryan (Harrison Ford) and Clark (Willem Dafoe) finally meet; first appearance of Ding Alonzo
• The Sum of All Fears? -- Israel loses a nuke, which terrorists use to foment war between US and Soviets -- averted by Ryan in cliffhanger. Movie version coming in June 2002.
• Without Remorse? -- chronologically first appearance of John Clark -- Vietnam flashbacks, how he became a CIA agent (Jack Ryan's father introduced)
• Debt of Honor -- Clark and Ding help Ryan avert (win?) a war with Japan, a Japanese pilot avenges his son's death by crashing his airliner into the US Capitol, killing the entire Congress, Supreme Court, and all but two White House officials, which segues into...
• Executive Orders? -- sequel to Debt of Honor -- Ryan propelled into presidency -- survives press hazing, assassination attempts and biological warfare -- Clark and Ding trace the virus to a Middle Eastern madman, and the US military goes to work.
• Rainbow Six? -- John Clark leads elite anti-terrorist unit and averts worldwide genocide attempt by environmental fanatics (no Jack Ryan)
• The Bear and The Dragon? -- war between Russia and China, Ryan recognizes independence of Taiwan and US Airforce helps Russia defeat Chinese invasion.

Books (non-fiction):

• Special Forces?
• Submarine?
• Armored Cav?
• Airborne?
• Marine?
• Fighter Wing?
• Into the Storm?