Alistair MacLean ​

Alistair Stuart MacLean was a Scottish novelist who wrote popular thrillers and adventure stories. His works include 'The Guns of Navarone', 'Ice Station Zebra', and 'Where Eagles Dare' – all three were made into popular films. He is recognized as one of the most popular and widely read authors of the 20th century.

Quick Facts ​

• Over 30 titles that have been printed in more than 30 languages.
• Sold over 150 million copies worldwide.
• Books are popular source material for film adaptations.
• Wrote successful novels such as "HMS Ulysses," "Ice Station Zebra," and "Where Eagles Dare."
• Known for his fast-paced and suspenseful writing.

Background ​

MacLean was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1922. During World War II, he served in the Royal Navy. Later, he went to the University of Glasgow to study English. After graduation, he became a teacher and started writing short stories in his spare time. His first novel, HMS Ulysses, was published in 1955 and was a great success. MacLean continued to write best-selling novels for over three decades, many of them became successful Hollywood films such as The Guns of Navarone and Ice Station Zebra. His books are known for their intricate and exciting plots and are set in various locations around the world. He passed away in 1987.

Writing Style and Impact ​

MacLean was a master of suspense and his thrillers were known for their intricate and well-researched plotting. His works incorporated his personal experiences from World War II, providing a sense of authenticity that made them highly popular during the Cold War era. Despite criticism for lacking three-dimensional characters, MacLean's work had a lasting impact on the thriller genre and established him as one of its leading writers.

Notable Works ​

• HMS Ulysses (1955)
• The Guns of Navarone (1957)
• Ice Station Zebra (1963)
• Where Eagles Dare (1967)
• The Golden Gate (1976)