James Clavell

Date of Birth: October 10, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: September 7, 1994

Biography

James Clavell, born Charles Edmund Dumaresq Clavell, was an Anglo-Australian novelist, screenwriter, director, and World War II veteran. He was born on October 10, 1924, in Sydney, Australia. Clavell is best known for his epic Asian Saga series of novels, which includes “Shōgun,” “Tai-Pan,” and “Gai-Jin.” His works often explore themes of cultural conflict and human endurance. Clavell’s military service during World War II notably influenced his writing. He served in the Royal Artillery and was captured by the Japanese, spending time as a prisoner of war in Changi Prison, Singapore. This harrowing experience was later fictionalized in his novel “King Rat.” After the war, Clavell moved to the United States and transitioned into a successful career in film and television. He wrote screenplays for movies such as “The Fly” (1958) and “The Great Escape” (1963). However, it was his novels that brought him lasting fame and financial success. James Clavell passed away on September 7, 1994, in Vevey, Switzerland, leaving behind a legacy of literary and cinematic achievements.

5 Interesting Facts about James Clavell

1. James Clavell’s real name was Charles Edmund Dumaresq Clavell.

2. He was a prisoner of war in Changi Prison during World War II, an experience that inspired his novel “King Rat.”

3. His novel “Shōgun” was adapted into a highly successful TV miniseries in 1980.

4. Clavell also wrote the screenplay for the classic film “The Great Escape.”

5. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1963.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Clavell

1. “To win is not enough, one must win handsomely.”

2. “The search for the truth is the most important work in the whole world—and the most dangerous.”

3. “You should respect each other and refrain from disputes; you should not, like water and oil, repel each other, but should, like milk and water, mingle together.”

4. “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

5. “Success is a poisonous gift.”