Mega-selling author Tom Clancy died on October 1. He was 66. The bestselling author’s career began with the publication of The Hunt for Red October, originally published by the Naval Institute Press before being acquired by Putnam in 1984. The book went on to be a blockbuster movie, introducing the world to Jack Ryan. A string of thrillers followed, including Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears; all became #1 bestsellers and huge movie hits.
After a seven year hiatus, Clancy wrote Dead or Alive in December 2010 with Glenn Blackwood. The novel featured all of Clancy's best-know characters, including Ryan. In recent years Clancy has been the co-author of a new series of Ryan books with Mark Greaney. The newest one, and Clancy's 17th novel, Command Authority, is due out in December.
Click here to read PW's 1986 profile of Tom Clancy.
Penguin Group (USA)’s executive David Shanks, who was personally involved in the publication of every one of Clancy’s books, says, “I’m deeply saddened by Tom’s passing. He was a consummate author, creating the modern-day thriller, and was one of the most visionary storytellers of our time. I will miss him dearly and he will be missed by tens of millions of readers worldwide.”
Ivan Held, president and publisher of G.P. Putnam’s Sons says, “It was an honor to know Tom Clancy and to work on his fantastic books. He was ahead of the news curve and sometimes frighteningly prescient. To publish a Tom Clancy book was a thrill every time. He will be missed by everyone at Putnam and Berkley, and by his fans all over the world.”
Penguin estimates that there are more 100 million copies of Clancy's books in print.
In addition to being adapted into movies, Clancy's titles also formed the basis for a number of bestselling video games. A resident of Maryland, he was also one of the owners of the Baltimore Orioles.
