When Clive Cussler published his first book in 1973, at the age of 42, his goal was simply to make a little extra money so that his family of five could travel and explore the world a bit more. Little did he know that The Mediterranean Caper would be the genesis of a decades-long writing career that would propel him to a spot among the best-selling American authors of all time.
Over the past few years, I stopped calling things "guilty pleasures," changing it to just "pleasures," and it's truly made me feel good. It's amazing how a little semantic change can alter your feelings. Great post!
I can definitely relate to having "scenes missing" from my 20s, but for me it's likely attributable to mildly poisoning my brain and jostling it around inside its bone cage, more than the post-college/early-adulthood malaise.
I do remember reading a Cussler book in my mid-to-late teens, a rec from my dad, and really enjoying it at the time. It reminded me of one of the Pierce Brosnan-era Bond films (likely the one with the floating evil lair) and was FUN. Though unfortunately I cannot remember the plot and looking at the Cussler catalog didn't jog my memory either. I do remember his Corvette Stingray was in the author photo though, and that it gave me the (very false) idea that authors were rich.
I have been working on my collection of Clive's books for years. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them in order and also have some of the original paperback editions from his earlier works. Clive has become my all time favorite author.
Great post! I used to work at a used bookstore, The Almost Perfect Bookstore in Roseville, California. I shelved a lot of Cussler. He was one of several authors normally shelved in mysteries that had a shelf or more to himself.
Hi Jeremy, thanks for this article, reading it reminded me of Richard Stark’s Parker series. I remember having a few on my kindle and whipping through them on summer holiday, it’s that time of year so I thought to get Raise the Titanic - and how he sets the scene in the Prelude! I’ll definitely download a few more!
Such amazing books! I’m 90% sure you turned me on to him (or maybe it was my mom) but either way dirk pitt and the Oregon files are fantastic! Also loved the Isaac bell series! Fantastic reads!
Thanks for sharing this! It was a great read, and I couldn't agree more that we should at least take time to read books for entertainment. A lot of 'serious' fiction gets talked about and rightly so, but writers like Cussler or name your popular/genre fiction writer (my personal favorite being Matthew Reilly) never quite get their due for writing fun books to read. They all don't have to make you think or feel. You just need that escape sometimes.
I couldn’t agree with you more! My father-in-law read Cussler’s books and passed on his love of them to his son, my husband, who would otherwise not have read much at all. Also, now I want to visit this museum!
Similarly, I went on a Cussler binge in my early 20's but had not thought much about him in the intervening 20 years. I recently saw the watch company Doxa released a Cussler dive watch (Dirk always wore a Doxa) and then I read your newsletter. I'm thinking it's time for a reread.
Over the past few years, I stopped calling things "guilty pleasures," changing it to just "pleasures," and it's truly made me feel good. It's amazing how a little semantic change can alter your feelings. Great post!
I can definitely relate to having "scenes missing" from my 20s, but for me it's likely attributable to mildly poisoning my brain and jostling it around inside its bone cage, more than the post-college/early-adulthood malaise.
I do remember reading a Cussler book in my mid-to-late teens, a rec from my dad, and really enjoying it at the time. It reminded me of one of the Pierce Brosnan-era Bond films (likely the one with the floating evil lair) and was FUN. Though unfortunately I cannot remember the plot and looking at the Cussler catalog didn't jog my memory either. I do remember his Corvette Stingray was in the author photo though, and that it gave me the (very false) idea that authors were rich.
Haha yes the plots definitely run together! I've done the same thing where I don't really remember which ones I've read or not.
I have been working on my collection of Clive's books for years. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them in order and also have some of the original paperback editions from his earlier works. Clive has become my all time favorite author.
Oh awesome.. love it! Thanks Frank. :)
Great post! I used to work at a used bookstore, The Almost Perfect Bookstore in Roseville, California. I shelved a lot of Cussler. He was one of several authors normally shelved in mysteries that had a shelf or more to himself.
(Missed this when you originally posted it.) Love it — thanks for sharing. :)
Hi Jeremy, thanks for this article, reading it reminded me of Richard Stark’s Parker series. I remember having a few on my kindle and whipping through them on summer holiday, it’s that time of year so I thought to get Raise the Titanic - and how he sets the scene in the Prelude! I’ll definitely download a few more!
Such amazing books! I’m 90% sure you turned me on to him (or maybe it was my mom) but either way dirk pitt and the Oregon files are fantastic! Also loved the Isaac bell series! Fantastic reads!
Thanks for sharing this! It was a great read, and I couldn't agree more that we should at least take time to read books for entertainment. A lot of 'serious' fiction gets talked about and rightly so, but writers like Cussler or name your popular/genre fiction writer (my personal favorite being Matthew Reilly) never quite get their due for writing fun books to read. They all don't have to make you think or feel. You just need that escape sometimes.
Definitely. Thanks for the comment, Justin!
I couldn’t agree with you more! My father-in-law read Cussler’s books and passed on his love of them to his son, my husband, who would otherwise not have read much at all. Also, now I want to visit this museum!
The museum is definitely worth it! A fun little hidden gem.
Lovely tribute. Must admit I have not read any of his books. I need to step out of my comfort zone.
Similarly, I went on a Cussler binge in my early 20's but had not thought much about him in the intervening 20 years. I recently saw the watch company Doxa released a Cussler dive watch (Dirk always wore a Doxa) and then I read your newsletter. I'm thinking it's time for a reread.
Do it! The early ones are the best, IMO.
I have read 4 of Cussler's books and enjoyed them, but didn't know anything about the man himself or about the museum. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
Thanks for reading!