James Clavell

1921–1994

1 series 6 books in order 1966–1993

James Clavell (born Charles Edmund Dumaresq Clavell; October 10, 1924 – September 6, 1994) was an Australian-born British author, screenwriter, and director. He is best known for his Asian Saga, a series of six novels, including Shōgun (1975), which explores cultural clashes and survival in feudal Japan. Shōgun was inspired by the story of English navigator William Adams and became an international bestseller. It was adapted for television twice, first as an NBC miniseries in 1980 and again in 2024 as an FX/Hulu series. Clavell's experiences as a prisoner of war in a Japanese camp during World War II influenced his works, which are noted for their cultural detail and historical depth. He also wrote screenplays for films such as The Great Escape (1963) and directed To Sir, with Love (1967). Clavell was naturalized as an American citizen and died in Vevey, Switzerland, at the age of 69.

Born

1921

Active years

1966–1993

Known for

The Asian Saga

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