Clive Cussler

Clive Cussler

Clive Cussler

Clive Eric Cussler (July 15, 1931 – February 24, 2020) was an American adventure novelist and underwater explorer. His thrillers, many featuring the character Dirk Pitt, have been published in more than 40 languages in over 100 countries. Cussler was also the founder and chairman of the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving maritime history.

Early Life and Education

Clive Cussler was born in Aurora, Illinois, and grew up in Alhambra, California. He attended Pasadena City College for two years before joining the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Career

Writing

Cussler began writing in 1965 and published his first novel featuring Dirk Pitt, "The Mediterranean Caper", in 1973. His novels are known for their fast-paced plots, historical themes, and detailed descriptions of underwater exploration.

Underwater Exploration

In 1979, Cussler founded the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), which has discovered more than 60 shipwreck sites. NUMA's discoveries include the H.L. Hunley, the first successful combat submarine, and the Carpathia, the ship that rescued survivors from the RMS Titanic.

Personal Life

Cussler was married to Barbara Knight for nearly 50 years until her death in 2003. He had three children: Teri, Dirk, and Dayna. His son, Dirk Cussler, co-authored several novels with him.

Legacy

Clive Cussler's novels have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. His work has inspired a generation of adventure writers and has been adapted into films, including "Sahara".

Related Pages

• Dirk Pitt
• National Underwater and Marine Agency
• Adventure novel