Master and Commander
First book in O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin series, widely regarded as the greatest series of historical novels ever written. More
Deborah Challinor
I read to escape, whether the genre is crime, historical, dystopian, thriller, or biography. More
Anthony Doerr
We are all mapmakers: We embed our memories everywhere, inscribing a private and intensely complicated latticework across the landscape. More
Sharpe’s Eagle
The first Sharpe novel published in Cornwell’s classic series. More
Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors
A multimillion-copy benchmark of adventure/survival nonfiction. More
Bernard Cornwell
The most magical phrase I knew as a child was “Once upon a time” because those four words meant a story was coming. More
Nostromo
A sweeping masterpiece considered by many to be Conrad’s greatest novel. More
Moby-Dick
Often called the greatest American novel of all time. More
Lucy Hughes-Hallett
One life is not enough. More
Flashman
When this novel was first published, many critics mistakenly accepted it as a genuine historical memoir. More
Gordon Korman
I read to be astounded by other writers’ ideas. More
James Rollins
I owe my mother everything. More
The Hunt for Red October
Clancy’s debut novel launched a spectacular career and introduced the world to a new hero, Jack Ryan. More
Stuart MacBride
I write because I love to read. More
Bernard Cornwell
Born in London in 1944, Bernard Cornwell grew up in Essex and, after a stint as a teacher, moved on to the BBC, where he took a job as a producer in Northern Ireland. More
Gorky Park
First book in the Arkady Renko series, which became an instant bestseller and changed the crime fiction genre. More
Love and War in the Apennines
The early life story of a man who would become one of Britain’s best-loved literary adventurers. More
Two Years Before the Mast
An early landmark of adventure and travel writing, now considered one of America’s first literary classics. More
Papillon
A bestselling phenomenon and classic memoir of prison breaks and adventure. More
Jack Higgins
Why I write: Some years ago, although enjoying great success, I was accused by certain literary critics of repeating myself too much in my work. More
