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.