I was introduced to Clive's books as a young boy (I'm 53 now) by means of a tattered copy of The Mediterranean Caper and was immediately hooked. After that I read everything he had published to that point and eagerly awaited each new release. My greatest memory of the man was when I got to meet him in person at a book signing at a small public library in Evergreen, CO when I was a teenager. His personally inscribed copy of Deep Six is still a cherished keep sake and one of my fondest memories of my childhood.
Thank you for all the adventures - Rest In Peace.
5
Just hearing he had died was so upsetting as I was a great fan. There are many fans out there I know but his life was so parallel to mine that I connected with him in so many ways. His loss will definitely cause a great deal of sadness throughout the reading community and my sincere condolences go out to his survivors.
Rest in Peace Clive Cussler knowing your works will live on for a long time to come and your heroes will live in my heart forever.
2
I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Cussler. He is my FAVORITE AUTHOR OF ALL TIME. I've spent countless hours reading and rereading his books. The world has truly lost a master story teller. As another poster shared, I to borrowed my first Cussler book from my dad and have not stopped reading his books since. My condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren.
He sounds like a great guy. I read "Raise the Titanic" as a kid. Rest in peace, sir.
I'm french. And here also Clive Cussler's novels were a link between generations : I shared them with my dad, starting with "treasure" the first I ever read. I'd buy them at the train station and then dump them in my dad's lap, or we did it in reverse, too. And sometimes, at least twice we bought them in double caus' we each got a copy on the same day, coming home from Uni for me, from work for my dad. I since then moved, and brought with me those doubles, the rest staying at my parents. I always pick one to read while i'm at their house for the holidays. Sometime, I'm gonna give'm to my own son. He's 13, already a good reader, and loves adventure, mystery and history. He'll love those. Rest in Peace Mr. Cussler. Bon voyage, et à bientôt.
1
I am in the minority in that I will never, ever miss Mr. Cussler's writing. I would have rather had him produce half as much and focus on some kind of quality or charm, which was uniformly lacking.
His books clogged so many book stores I would visit in airports and almost all read the same. He was the "dark and stormy night" of commercial pulp fiction and, having given up both reading his books and eating donuts, I have no regrets.
2
Thank you Clive and Rest In Peace. Thank you for all your books and your contributions to the world. I have read everyone of your books and I couldn’t wait for another one to come out. Your books took me out of this world and put me in the world with Dirk and Juan, the Fargos, and Issac. You will be sorely missed but your books will live on forever.
I was just think about him this morning! One of my favorite writers of fiction. His books were fun to read even though they bordered on camp. In one book he had green eyes, and in another, blue eyes. Whatever happened to good editors? Just great escapism. RIP Clive!
2
RIP
Clive Clussler, who wrote, as the ex (who enjoyed his novels) put it, "comic books without pictures." There is always a place for that.
I doubt however, that his death will cause books under his name to cease. He's simply too valuable a franchise. He hasn't written his own work in decades. He's a franchise, a team, a collaborative enterprise.
Why should that stop now? Just because he's dead. I doubt his publisher wants the money to stop flowing.
RIP Clive Cussler, this is a sad day. I enjoy his books very much. Mixed in with fiction, his books contain accurate data about cars, planes, ships, weapons, places, history, etc.
Great fun and easy reading. Goodbye Clive and thank you for the many adventures!❤
Adventure, espionage, and viruses were only the beginning for this author. As a young teen I first picked up his book Plague Ship, by the suggestion of my sister. I did not really appreciate reading at that time, but he started to change my mind.
I loved reading his books in middle and high school to break up my mundane world and live a life of danger and adventure!
The critics may not have liked his writing but I sure did. I couldn't put down any of his books and found the last page to always be disappointing since there would be no more until the next book.
RIP Mr. Cussler.
1
I discovered Clive Cussler’s books when I was in high school in the 1970s. I must have read “Raise the Titanic” and “Night Probe” half a dozen times. I was browsing in my local Barnes and Noble last night when I saw his books and I thought “man, it’s great he’s still writing!”. This obit really hit me hard. Mr. Cussler, thanks for sharing your talent and your love of adventure with us. Your books made many long commutes and flights much more tolerable.
I read my first Clive Cussler book while on board ship when I was in the Marine Corps in the early 80’s. I read “Raise the Titanic” on one radio watch, his books were great. Entertaining, good quick reads that I could carry in my cargo pocket of my BDU’s (basic daily uniform). Seeing his name brings me back to those days. RIP, thank you.
You omitted mentioning Clive Cussler's latest co-writer on the Sam and Remi Fargo Adventures (4 books & one on the way), Robin Burcell, herself an award-winning writer of mysteries and thrillers.
Please correct!
1
I read just one of his novels—something about an undersea trainwreck with hidden WWII documents—decades ago, and was shocked at how poorly-written a “bestseller” could be. Nothing against the man—I respect anyone who can make a living in the trade—but his prose was, unless my sample might have been an outlier, astonishingly shoddy.
1
In my younger years, I could imagine myself riding shotgun with Dirk Pitt on his many adventures (with apologies Al Giordino). My thanks to Clive Cussler for giving this former farm boy many hours of entertainment reading his novels. Rest In Peace.
1
First time I ever read a Clive Cussler novel was a year ago. Had heard of the guy, but never read anything by him. Frankly, the books described in this article sound like utter schlock- as eye-roll-inducing as any Harlequin Romance novel. However, his book ‘Vrrrm Vrrrm’ was a delightful surprise.
I loved reading Cussler to my kids.. some of my best memories as a dad.. RIP Clive!
Well, well, Philip Anschutz must be doing a little dance right about now.
I have been enjoyed Cussler's stories for many decades. I wouldn't call his work great literature but it certainly entertained me. When Dirk Pitt got too old he brought in new characters with the help of associates. I hope the tales continue! Thank you Clive Cussler!
I spent many years in schools and colleges, always studying, reading for knowledge. Once I got out of graduate school and went to work, it took a while before I rediscovered reading for pleasure. Cussler was a regular. His works were never highbrow, but were always a good read, and you could usually chew through one in a day or two with a satisfied feeling. I think I've read them all, and looked forward to the next one arriving at the library.
We'll miss you, Clive.
4
Clive Cussler is a great loss to the literary world of adventure literature. It just shows what one can do with determination, talent, and grit. He's a great example of what's right with American capitalism when it works. Now I really need to read more of his books, although I have read a great number of books written by Russell Blake, who co-authored at least two books with Clive Cussler. Great writing by both authors.
2
So Mr. Cussler wasn't a T.S. Elliot, Hemingway, or John Irving. As I read his early works, I was suddenly transformed to Dr. DIrk Pitt....a brilliant, witty, loved by all women, tough as nails, and savior of the world order with skill, style, and a generous splash of wry wit. Thanks for the wonderful escape! It was a great adventure!
2
This man and his stories will be greatly missed. Despite any literary criticism of his books, they never failed to transport a reader to a different place and time. True entertainment and always reliable. He was the kind of writer that people, generations bonded over.
I wrote to him once to tell him how much I enjoyed his work never expecting a reply since I supposed he got hundreds or thousands of such letters. Not only did I get a reply, he enclosed a page from one of his drafts on the current book he was writing. I still have it. His kindness was amazing.
Fair winds and following seas!
5
I cannot remember the number of vicarious adventures Clive Cusslers books have set me out upon. But I'm so grateful for the hours of fantastical images I had. Eternal Peace, Clive.
1
My book shelf is filled with Clive Cussler books. I used read all of them. Unfortunately kids (mine) have cut into my reading time in the past few years but I've always followed him, wishing I had more time to read his newer work. A Doxa wristwatch has been on my wishlist for sometime thanks to him.
4
I too was a big fan for a long time. I admit that at some point I sort of grew out of his books, especially when they started being turned out like sausages with co-writers, James Patterson-style. But I admire his view on life and many of this books. In particular, I remember the one where Dirk Pitt meets a thinly-disguised James Bond figure.
Like most youthful readers, I aspired to live like Dirk Pitt, and as a car guy, I can only be stupendously envious of his fantastic car collection.
Bon voyage, Mr. Cussler. You deserve it.
3
Funny reading that other sons enjoyed reading Clive's novels with their fathers. I first picked up my grandfather's copy of Raise the Titanic when I was in the 8th grade - almost 40 years ago. My dad read it right after I did and we were both hooked immediately. As the years passed, we would anxiously await the next Dirk Pitt novel and pass it between ourselves - savoring each one and silently appreciating the bond the books formed between us. Thank you Clive and Godspeed. You will be missed.
4
My husband, who has never met a book that he likes, discovered Clive Cussler about five years ago.
Needless to say, once he discovered Cussler's books, he became a giant fan. He constantly reads chapters to me about Dirk's amazing ship and historical tidbits and scours second hand book stores for the odd Cussler book he has not read. (There are not many of those now.)
RIP Mr Cussler - you introduced literature to at least one member of the non-reading public!!
7
I'll miss Mr. Cussler. His books were great reads while on a cruise or a flight. A great way to pass time while waiting for the next adventure.
Condolences to his family.
2
I enjoyed all of Clive Cussler novels but was a particular fan of the Oregan series. I'm envious of anyone who has yet to discover Cussler books, you have so much yet to discover!
Thank you Clive Cussler for all the wonderful hours of enjoyment I spent reading your books. May you rest in peace!
2
My father and I both loved his books, read them all until the mid 1990s.
What surprised me was when my maternal grandmother died, and my mother was wrapping up my grandmother’s house, she picked up a Clive Cussler novel. She devoured it and several others as an escape. It gave us something pleasant to talk about while grieving my grandmother’s well lived life.
5
I'm so sad - what a loss - just loved your stories. I'll miss you - but thank you for the awesome adventures.
Kiss, kiss on each cheek and a kick with the right foot - you will be missed.
1
I was a fan of the Titanic. One day, while browsing Waldenbooks in the mall I came across "Raise the Titanic" and picked it up.
My fifth grade English teacher was a fan of Clive Cussler. The next day when she saw me reading it she could hardly contain her excitement. After class, she pulled me aside and shoved another Cussler paperback into my hands and said "You're gonna love this one." It felt serious and slightly dangerous, almost like an initiation ritual.
For the rest of fifth grade we shared our critiques and impressions and sometimes argued about plot devices, character development and scene-setting.
I grew up and my attentions turned to more "serious" literature but every so often, I pluck a well-worn, yellowing Dirk Pitt adventure off the shelf, pour myself a martini and settle down into the corner of the couch, open the cover and once again transport myself back to the fifth grade, recalling the year I fell in love with reading.
14
I agree with Kurt, truly a sad day. I have read every one of his books and keep re reading them. I feel that I know Dirk, Lauren, Dirk Jr, Joe, Juan, Max, Issac and all of the other incredible characters that he has brought into my life. Through Mr. Cussler, I followed several different authors that were co-writers. Jack DuBrul is now another of my favorites. I am truly sorry for his family's loss and for the loss of a literary legend. Mr. Cussler, please rest in peace,with the knowledge that you have made millions of avid readers happy .
1
Thank you
3
Truly a sad day. Reading Clive was one of the few things my father and I enjoyed together. His books always transported you to places you have never been and may never visit. The characters jumped off the pages and you felt like you were beside Dirk Pitt, Al Giordino, Kurt Austin , The Fargo's and Isaac Bell. I have recently gotten my son in law reading Clive. Clive will be missed "Rest in Peace" Clive Cussler.
66
@Kurt Baumann reading this obit and the story of his life is another true adventure. RIP Mr Cussler
Damn. This just struck me completely out of left field. I grew up reading my Dad's- then buying my own- Dirk Pitt novels, as well as the Oregon Files. The very first adult book I read was Raise the Titanic, and other books of his have long been on my favorites. He helped shape my love of history and the ocean.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Cussler. Thanks for the work you did and the inspiration you helped create.
56
“I detested school,” he told Publishers Weekly in 1994. “I was always the kid who was staring out the window. While the teacher was lecturing on algebra, I was on the deck of a pirate ship or in an airplane shooting down the Red Baron.”
If that isn't an accurate and perfect description of my husband. I finally realized one of the many attractions he held for Mr. Cussler and his many adventurous books.
We have an entire section in our home library of Mr. Cussler's books. They are always worth a second and third reading when nothing else seems to be appealing at the moment. He brought many, many hours of suspense and grand entertainment.
His passing will be felt for a long time. And my husband has still not used algebra once since high school.
78
@Marge Keller :
sounds like he might have been an ADD kid.....they often grow up to surprise people!
2
@Marge Keller
You husband uses Algebra every time he buys 2 gallons of milk and tries to figure out how many gallons of gas he can buy with the rest of the $50 he has.
Just because he doesn't KNOW he's using Algebra, doesn't mean he's NOT using Algebra.
Algebra is part of the fabric of daily life. We use it every day.
7
@Dejah
I would love for you to have that argument with my husband. Your examples are spot on but he just doesn't see it.
Thanks for making me smile and for sharing your thoughts.
3
As a first-generation American I was raised by foreign parents who had a very harsh view of how long I should be studying every day. In middle and high school they expected no less than 3/4 hours at my desk. So when I finished my homework I would pull out one of Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt novels and completely immerse myself for the remainder of my time. I was pretending it was school work, and my parents couldn’t tell the difference. Though Im now 31, I’ll never forget how his work made me excited to read after school. RIP Clive, you’ll be missed.
128
@Anthony
Best comment I've read today!!
I think the greatest gift ANY writer could give his or her audience is a reason and inspiration for someone to READ!
41
Very sad news. He was so wonderful with his fans, making a few shared moments at a book signing seem much longer as he personally engaged with everyone. His personalized, signed books are among my favorite possessions.
8
His nonfiction accounts of locating historical wrecks are entertaining funny and fascinating. Highly recommended.
13
The critics may not have liked the language or the set up for the stories, but as a reader I couldn't wait for the next book in any of the various series to be released. His characters were human, and humorous and had just the right amount of spunk to get a reader through the day. I for one hope the franchise continues as did the Tom Clancy books. Rest in peace Clive Cussler you will certainly be missed.
13
My son read them avidly so much so that the only trouble he got into at school was reading novels in class. Cussler novels were often the cause.
My son still wants a Doxa dive watch and we both wanted to live in his airport hangar.
Fair winds and following seas and long may your big jib draw, sir.
17
No mention of his discovering The Hunley???
5
I'm sure his family and fans are sad, but when I hear about someone like Mr. Cussler having all kinds of adventures, and then living into his late eighties, my reaction is, well done! I would wish that for myself.
21
Great literature - no, but great fun absolutely! Some of the best summer reading ever. And he will hopefully also be remembered for his very real and valuable contributions to underwater archaeology which also included helping raise the wreck of the Civil War Confederate submarine the Hundley. Saddened to hear of his passing.
8
I especially liked the way he would usually put himself into each of the books as a world traveler or old coot.
I also liked the diversity of his portfolio, including of course Dirk Pitt but also Kurt Austin (my own surname), Juan Cabrillo, and his non-fiction.
He also emphasized mentoring writers during the latter stages, when he brought his son Dirk on as well as multiple others -- sort of a succession plan.
I hope that the books continue!!
8
When I was a sophomore at the University of Colorado, I was assigned by my journalism teacher to dig through public records for the purpose of finding a story. I went to the county courthouse and found Clive Cussler's home address in the foothills of the Rockies. With no hesitation, I drove to his house and knocked on his door. He answered in his bathrobe - and I knew I'd made a terrible mistake.
But I hadn't. He'd just arisen from a jet-lag inspired nap following his return from Egypt. He invited me in, and we talked for hours about his books - which I loved more than any other. He answered my every question, and when I finally went on my way, he gave me a signed copy of his latest, "Treasure."
In the years since I've found better authors and ones whose prose is considered more worthy. But I have never found an author who so transports me out of my world and into another with such complete enthusiasm. Each of them taking me not just to adventures on the high seas. But back to a time in my own life when a very kind man gave me his time - and a story that my journalism teacher still considers legendary.
168
@Bethany Grace Howe Wonderful story, generous man.
7
@Bethany Grace Howe Is your Cussler interview available for us to read?
2
@Bethany Grace Howe
Most authors, even big time ones are just regular people. In the days before Instagram, you could (and many still do) shop for your own groceries and do most of your own administration.
It is a legendary story. He sounds like a righteous dude.
4
Hope you enjoyed it all, Clive. (After you got out of school!)
Also a reminder, that schools should capture the imagination, and help creative types expand their own potential.
Daydreaming is great, but daydreaming with a bit of a question/nudge/push, can change the world.
25
Fair winds and following seas, Mr. Cussler! As a once-upon-a-time master scuba diver forced by loss of retirement savings in 2008 to give up fantastic trips to exotic dive locations, I found great solace & delight in your books - and boy did you get all the technology right! To any divers reading this, put Truk Lagoon in Micronesia, and the Netherlands Antilles island, Saba, on your wish list. Saba - "The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean" for its pristine landscapes and striking biodiversity as well as the absence of crowds, chain stores, and cruise ship throngs.
20
Sorry to hear it. His car museum in Arvada CO is quite astounding; every single vehicle that makes it to the main museum floor is in beyond-showroom level of perfection. You should check it out (make sure they're open first, they're a little finicky about that).
17
It's already been a long time since a Clive Cussler novel was really a "Clive Cussler novel," but still I feel the loss.
While school was teaching me to appreciate literature, Mr. Cussler was teaching me the pure joy of reading. His were chewy, impossible-to-put-down stories that grabbed you by the nose and never let go.
Thanks for the ride.
23
Oh no! I love his books. Night Probe is my favorite
1
Many of the Fargo tales are co-authored by Robin Burcell. Missing from this. Also the very public lawsuit he filed against the movie, Sahara. https://ew.com/article/2009/03/11/sahara-costs-cu/
A lot of people asked Cussler how they could join NUMA.
3
Fun books, and he appears to have lived some of the lives of his heroes. RIP.
2
I am very sad to hear this. I confess Clive's books gave me countless hours of just good reading. A dashing hero and a story-line that always included some historical twist plus a great vintage car ot two thrown in the mix.. What a cast of characters he amassed over his decades of writing. Thank you Clive. Godspeed.
25
Mr. Cussler will be missed. His adventure stories are just the best and I love them. Always have - for pretty much my whole life!
6
A great writer, one who not only wrote, but lived the adventures he so eloquently shared with his millions of fans. May your legacy continue.
10
A great loss for me, Dirk Pitt novels have been a part of my life since middle school. You’ll be missed Clive, thank you for all the adventure.
9
My childhood officially died today. Mr. Cussler allowed me countless hours of imaginative escape as a pre-teen/teen and I've remained a fan to this day. I credit his books - particularly Raise the Titanic - with my eventual academic and career pursuits.
May his memory be a blessing.
26
As an engineer nerd, I enjoyed his books very much.
Easy reads for vacation time.
3
I hope Justin Scott would consider keeping Isaac Bell above the ground. A wonderful series with Cussler featuring detectives in the early 1900s amidst immigrant & labor conflicts & prewar tensions. Cussler’s other fictional characters more or less amphibians. Which tend to delve into technology like Clancy into war machinery.
6
Three local libraries (i.e, St. Charles, Geneva & Batavia) put paperback books on a rack at the commuter rail station. The first Cussler book I read, "The Chase," featured Isaac Bell. It was enjoyed to step back into a time when cell phones did not exist. I grew to look forward to each new Bell adventure each spring. I hope Dirk Cussler continues the series.
RIP Mr. Cussler.
7
R.I.P. Clive. Had many great times reading your books. Raise the Titanic!
3
I was 10 years old when Raise the Titanic was published. It was one of the first adult novels I read and I loved it. While I didn't read many of Clive Cussler's other books, I'll never forget how Dirk Pitt sucked me into a world I would never have otherwise known about and turned me into a Titanic history affcionado. Thanks for the fun, Dirk. Er, I mean Clive.
9
@JF
Ten years old. That is probably just the right reading level.
6
Geez, that’s black-hearted. Snob. The man was truly lovely and never claimed his novels were high-brow.
2
Clive Cussler's book "Sahara" also was made into a 2005 movie starring Mathew McConaughey, Steve Zahn, and Penelope Cruz. The movie grossed over $100 million.
14
@Steve M Lousy movie but an awesome book. I read it in about 4 hours while sitting out a flight delay at Atlanta Hartsdale Airport in the early 90's. I couldn't put it down!
"...selling no fewer than 100 million copies..." That's a strange way of putting it. Why not just say he wrote over 100 million copies?
4
because he did not write over 100 million copies.
12
@Mungo Maxwell - but he wrote "no fewer than 100 million copies." Which means he DID write more than 100 million copies.
1