James Clavell is renowned for his epic novels, particularly his extensive Asian Saga series. His works often draw upon his own experiences, including his time as a prisoner of war, infusing his narratives with a unique authenticity. Clavell masterfully depicted vast historical events and intricate human relationships against exotic cultural backdrops. His ability to weave together adventure, political intrigue, and personal drama solidifies his reputation as a compelling storyteller.
Set in Changi, the most notorious prisoner of war camp in Asia, King Rat is an heroic story of survival told by a master story-teller who lived through those years as a young soldier. Only one man in fifteen had the strength, the luck, and the cleverness simply to survive Changi. And then there was King.
""It is the early 19th century, when European traders and adventurers first began to penetrate the forbidding Chinese mainland. And it is in this exciting time and exotic place that a giant of an Englishman, Dirk Straun, sets out to turn the desolate island of Hong Kong into an impregnable fortress of British power, and to make himself supreme ruler...Tai-Pan!"" "From the Trade Paperback edition."
SOON TO BE AN FX LIMITED SERIES - A bold English adventurer, an invincible Japanese warlord, and a beautiful woman torn between two worlds come together in a saga filled with passion, conflict, and ambition. Set in 1600, the story follows an English pilot whose ship is wrecked on the shores of Japan. There, he meets two pivotal figures: a powerful warlord with aspirations of becoming Shogun and a beautiful interpreter caught between her loyalties and her love for the pilot. John Blackthorne dreams of being the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and aims to control trade between Japan and China, while Toranaga, the most formidable feudal lord, seeks to unite the warring samurai factions under his leadership. The Lady Mariko, a Catholic convert, struggles with her conflicting loyalties to her faith and her country, further complicated by her feelings for Blackthorne. This narrative explores how a Westerner is transformed by an encounter with a foreign culture, set against a backdrop of violence and intrigue as Japan transitions from medieval to modern times. Praised for its gripping storytelling and complex characters, the novel immerses readers in a world of adventure, suspense, and deep human relationships.
Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves � and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives � and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are. Offering ancient wisdom on how to use skill, cunning, tactics and discipline to outwit your opponent, this bestselling 2000-year-old military manual is still worshipped by soldiers on the battlefield and managers in the boardroom as the ultimate guide to winning.
Presents the novel of age-old feuds played out in modern Hong Kong.
In the closed society of Japan in 1862, a bitter battle for commercial supremacy rages between the Struan and Brock trading houses. Young Malcolm Struan confronts the complex politics of the Japanese Court and the samurai of the warlords to succeed in love. By the author of "King Rat" and "Shogun".
Novel takes place in a period of 24 days just after the Shah left Iran.
In the closed society of Japan in 1862, a bitter battle for commercial supremacy rages between the Struan and Brock trading houses. Young Malcolm Struan confronts the complex politics of the Japanese Court and the samurai of the warlords to succeed in love. By the author of "King Rat" and "Shogun".
During the chaos following the Shah's departure from Iran, Erikki Yokkomen, a Finnish helicopter pilot, tries to reach safety with his Iranian-born wife, Azadeh
It was a simple incident in the life of James Clavell—a talk with his young daughter just home from school—that inspired this chilling tale of what could happen in twenty-five quietly devastating minutes. He writes, "The Children's Story came into being that day. It was then that I really realized how vulnerable my child's mind was —any mind, for that matter—under controlled circumstances. Normally I write and rewrite and re-rewrite, but this story came quickly—almost by itself. Barely three words were changed. It pleases me greatly because I kept asking the questions… Questions like, What's the use of 'I pledge allegiance' without understanding? Like Why is it so easy to divert thoughts? Like What is freedom? and Why is so hard to explain? The Children's Story keeps asking me all sorts of questions I cannot answer. Perhaps you can—then your child will...."
