Tom Clancy: A Critical Companion (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) [Hardcover]

Helen S. Garson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313295050 | ISBN-13: 978-0313295058 | Publication Date: August 30, 1996

Tom Clancy is the superstar of "techno-thriller" writers, not only in sales but in the loyalty of his fans, among whom presidents and vice presidents are numbered. To read a Clancy novel is to begin to know the writer himself and his alter ego, Jack Ryan. This, the first book-length critical study of his work, examines both the work and the man who is reflected in it: his knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes. In Clancy's eight novels, discussed and analyzed in separate chapters, we see both the emerging hero and the changing author. Garson provides close examination of each of Clancy's eight novels, helping the reader with explication of Clancy's wide-ranging and often difficult subject matter. One of the most topical contemporary writers, Clancy has written of the Cold War, terrorism, the Vietnam War, the drug culture, and trade wars. A biographical chapter discusses Clancy's life and career and the critical response to his work. A chapter on genre places Clancy in the popular tradition. Each novel is examined in a separate chapter, with sections on plot development, characters, style, and themes. Garson also offers an alternative critical approach to each novel, which gives the reader an additional perspective from which to read and analyze it. A complete bibliography of Clancy's work, critical sources, and a listing of reviews of all his novels complete the work. Clancy's popularity with adults and young adults makes this an essential purchase for school and public libraries.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

HELEN S. GARSON is Professor Emeritus of English and American Studies at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (August 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313295050
• ISBN-13: 978-0313295058
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #455,819 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for any Clancy fan, June 25, 2000

By 

"tech_guru" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tom Clancy: A Critical Companion (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) (Hardcover)

This, the first book-length critical study of Clancy's writing, examines both the work and the man who is reflected in it: his knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes. In Clancy's eight novels, discussed and analyzed in separate chapters, we see both the emerging hero and the changing author. One of the most topical contemporary writers, Clancy has written of the Cold War, terrorism, the Vietnam War, the drug culture, and trade wars. Helen Garson's close examination of each of Clancy's novels helps the reader with explication of this wide-ranging and often difficult subject matter. Each novel is examined in its own chapter, with sections on plot development, characters, style, and themes. Garson also offers an alternative critical approach to each novel, giving the reader an additional perspective from which to read and analyze it. A biographical chapter discusses Clancy's life and career and the critical response to his work. A chapter on genre places him in the popular tradition. A complete bibliography of Clancy's work, critical sources, and a listing of reviews of all of his novels complete the work. Clancy's popularity with adults and young adults makes this an essential purchase for school and public libraries.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Envy?, November 15, 2001

By 

Micke (Norway) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tom Clancy: A Critical Companion (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) (Hardcover)

Ok, far as I could tell, this book is all about two things. Envy of the author, and trying to make light of all his values. Clancy obviously values the armed servants of his country high and I fail to see why this is cause for diverse derisive comments about him as a person.

Mind you, I haven't read all of this, I could't stand to. I think the Clancy books stand on their own, without anyone having to do their best clobbering him for his great writing.

Read a Clancy book and form your own opinion, don't buy this highly colored collection of defamatory sentences.