The time is World War II. The place is a brutal prison camp deep in Japanese-occupied territory. Here, within the seething mass of humanity, one man, an American corporal, seeks dominance over both captives and captors alike. His weapons are human courage, unblinking understanding of human weaknesses, and total willingness to exploit every opportunity to enlarge his power and corrupt or destroy anyone who stands in his path.From the Paperback edition.
James Clavell (born Charles Edmund Dumaresq Clavell; October 10, 1924 – September 6, 1994) was an Australian-born British author, screenwriter, and director, best known for his *Asian Saga* consisting of 6 novels, including the critically acclaimed [*Shōgun*][2] (1975). This epic historical novel, inspired by the story of English navigator William Adams, explores cultural clashes and survival in feudal Japan. It became an international bestseller and has been adapted twice for television: first as a groundbreaking NBC miniseries in 1980 and more recently in 2024 as a critically praised FX/Hulu series.
Clavell’s experiences as a World War II prisoner of war in a Japanese camp deeply influenced his works, which are celebrated for their rich cultural detail and historical depth. In addition to his novels, he wrote screenplays for films such as *The Great Escape* (1963) and directed *To Sir, with Love* (1967). Naturalized as an American citizen later in life, Clavell left a legacy of storytelling that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. He passed away in Vevey, Switzerland, at the age of 69.
([Source][1])
[1]: https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Clavell
[2]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL2918756W
