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Tom Clancy

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Thomas L. Clancy Jr. (born 1947) is an American author of political thrillers heavily based on intelligence and military science concepts. His earlier books have a definite taste of the Cold War.

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 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, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears 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 written several nonfiction books about various branches of the US armed forces (see nonfiction, below.) Clancy has branded several lines of books with his name that are written by other, acknowledged authors following premises or storylines generally in keeping with Clancy's works: Tom Clancy's Net Force, Tom Clancy's Op-Center. Clancy's name has also appeared on several computer games of the military simulation variety, notably Rainbow Six and Rogue Spear, both of which have sequels and expansion packs.

In 2003, Tom Clancy signed new book deals that will pay him about US$50 million for a previously announced two-book, world-English rights deal with Pearson Custom Publishing and Penguin Putnam Inc. (both businesses of Pearson Education). As well, he signed a second agreement for another US$25 million for a four-year book/multimedia deal with his "Red Storm Entertainment" unit As well, Berkley Books has just announced a deal for 24 paperbacks to tie in with the upcoming ABC miniseries "Tom Clancy's Net Force" in an agreement reported to be worth around US$22 million.


Fiction

(All but one of Clancy's novels feature Jack Ryan and/or John Clark.)

Non-Fiction