Clive Cussler ​

Clive Eric Cussler was an American adventure novelist and underwater explorer. He was best known for his Dirk Pitt series of novels which adhere to an adventurous, aquatic theme. His other series include the NUMA Files, Oregon Files, and the Fargo Adventures. Cussler's books have reached The New York Times fiction best-seller list more than 20 times.

Quick Facts ​

• His novels have reached The New York Times best-seller list more than 20 times.
• Many of his novels are in the adventure genre and feature technology.
• Several of his novels have been made into films.
• Founding father and close friend of the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA).
• His books have sold over 100 million copies worldwide.

Background ​

Cussler was born in Aurora, Illinois, in 1931. He served in the military during the Korean War, working first as an aircraft mechanic and flight engineer in the U.S. Air Force, and later as a naval aviator. After the war, he worked as an advertising copywriter and creative director for two of the nation's leading advertising agencies. He began writing in the late 1960s, with his first novel, The Mediterranean Caper, published in 1973. This led to the creation of his most famous character, marine engineer, government agent and adventurer Dirk Pitt. Cussler's books are adventure novels, often set in exotic locations, that blend fact with fiction. He passed away in 2020.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Cussler's writing style is known for its adventure-filled, high-action plot lines. The prolific author often incorporated elements of history, science, and exploration into his narratives. His descriptive narratives bring his stories to life, with readers often noting the meticulous research that clearly went into his work. His work influenced the thriller genre and made a substantial impact on popular culture, inspiring films and video games.

Notable Works ​

• Raise the Titanic! (1976)
• Night Probe! (1981)
• Sahara (1992)
• Inca Gold (1994)
• The Sea Hunters (1996)
• Flood Tide (1997)
• Atlantis Found (1999)
• The Wrecker (2009)
• The Storm (2012)
• The Mayan Secrets (2013)
• The Pharaoh's Secret (2015)