Thomas Leo Clancy Jr. (born April 12, 1947), better known as Tom Clancy, is a US author of bestselling political thrillers, best known for his technically detailed espionage and military science storylines set during and in the aftermath of the Cold War. His name is also a brand for similar books written by ghost writers and a series of non-fiction books on military subjects and merged biographies of key leaders. He is also part-owner of the Baltimore Orioles, a Major League Baseball team. He officially is the Orioles' Vice Chairman of Community Projects and Public Affairs.

Biography
Clancy has generally been regarded as a political conservative, and has donated over $200,000 to Republican Party political candidates.

Political views
The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears have been turned into commercially successful films with actors Alec Baldwin, Ben Affleck, and Harrison Ford as Clancy's most famous fictional character Jack Ryan, while his second famous character John Clark has been played by actors Willem Dafoe and Liev Schreiber. The first NetForce novel was adapted as a television movie, starring Scott Bakula and Joanna Going. The first Op-Center novel was released to coincide with a 1995 NBC television mini-series of the same name (Tom Clancy's Op-Center) starring Harry Hamlin and a cast of stars. Though the mini-series didn't continue the book series did, but it had little in common with the first mini-series other than the title and the names of the main characters.
The website IMDB reports that Tom Clancy's novel Without Remorse is to be made into a movie and is expected to be released in 2008. Filming is to commence in 2008. No other details are available (27 June 2007).
With the release of The Teeth of the Tiger, Clancy introduced Jack Ryan's son and two nephews as main characters. Presumably, he has retired Jack Ryan as a central character. Many fans have expressed disappointment in Clancy's recent fiction works and sales of his books have dropped.
Clancy has written several nonfiction books about various branches of the U.S. armed forces (see non-fiction listing, below). Clancy has also branded several lines of books with his name that are written by other authors, following premises or storylines generally in keeping with Clancy's works:
These are sometimes referred to by fans as "apostrophe" books; Clancy did not initially acknowledge that these series were being authored by others, only thanking the actual authors in the headnotes for their "invaluable contribution to the manuscript".
In 1997 Tom Clancy signed a book deal with Penguin Putnam Inc. (both part of Pearson Education), that paid him US$50 million for the world-English rights to two new books. He then signed a second agreement for another US$25 million for a four-year book/multimedia deal. Clancy followed this up with an agreement with Berkley Books for 24 paperbacks to tie in with the ABC television miniseries Tom Clancy's Net Force aired in the fall/winter of 1998. The OP-Center universe has laid the ground for the series of books written by Jeff Rovin, which was in an agreement worth US $22 million bringing the total value of the package to US$97 million.
All but two of Clancy's novels feature Jack Ryan and/or John Clark.

Tom Clancy's Op-Center
Tom Clancy's Power Plays
Tom Clancy's Net Force
Tom Clancy's Net Force Explorers
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Bibliography
Clancy's first novel. Jack Ryan assists in the defection of a respected Soviet naval captain, along with the most advanced ballistic missile submarine of the Soviet fleet. The movie (1990) stars Alec Baldwin as Ryan and Sean Connery as Captain Ramius.
War between NATO and USSR. The basis of the submarine combat game of the same name, this is one of two Clancy novels to date not set in his Ryanverse, (although the protagonist of the story has many similarities with Jack Ryan). He co-wrote it with Larry Bond.
Ryan saves the Prince of Wales from terrorists, who go after Ryan and his family. The 1992 movie stars Harrison Ford as Ryan, and has a fictional lord instead of the Prince of Wales. (John Clark later tells Jack Ryan in Clear and Present Danger that he was on the helicopter that had to turn back when attacking the terrorist camps in northern Africa.) It should be noted that the events of "Patriot Games" are mentioned as part of Jack Ryan's past in "The Hunt for Red October", and therefore is a prequel to that story.
First appearance of John Clark and Sergey Golovko. Secret anti-satellite lasers (SDI), high-stakes diplomacy, spies and computer geeks (Major Gregory is introduced here and shown later as updating SAM software in The Bear and the Dragon).
Drug war in Colombia involving special forces and secret operations. Ryan and Clark finally meet; first appearance of "Ding" Chavez who is one of the operators in the special forces teams and Clark's protege in later novels. The movie (1994) stars Harrison Ford as Ryan, Willem Dafoe as Clark and Raymond Cruz as Chavez.
Israel loses a nuclear weapon, which terrorists use to foment war between U.S. and Soviets, which is averted by Ryan in a cliffhanger. The 2002 movie stars Ben Affleck as Ryan, Liev Schreiber as Clark, and changes the identity and motivation of the terrorists (from muslims to neo-nazis; to appease the politically correct).
Chronologically the first book featuring John Kelly/John Clark, detailing Clark's life before joining the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Set during the Vietnam War era, it tells about the past of John Kelly, how he assumed the Clark mantle, and tells how Clark became a CIA officer. Jack Ryan's father (Emmett Ryan) has a key role; Jack Ryan has a tiny cameo.
Ryan as National Security Advisor, and John Clark and Domingo Chavez as agents with Russian cover, help win a military and economic war with a nuclear-armed Japan. Golovko makes a cameo here.
Sequel to Debt of Honor. Ryan, propelled into the presidency as a result of events in Debt of Honor, survives press hazing, assassination attempts and biological warfare—Clark and Ding trace the virus to a Middle Eastern madman, and the U.S. military goes to work.
Follows the missions of USS Cheyenne in a future war with China precipitated by their invasion of the disputed Spratly Islands. Also not a Ryaniverse book, SSN is actually a loosely connected collection of "scenario" chapters in support of the eponymous computer game.
Released to coincide in with the computer game of the same name. John Clark and Ding, who is now John's son-in-law, lead an elite multi-national anti-terrorist unit that combats a worldwide genocide attempt by eco-terrorists motivated by radical environmentalism and sponsored by a global biotechnology corporation and its 'Gates-like' founder. (Jack Ryan is the U.S. President and only mentioned or referred to as either 'The President' or 'Jack'.)
War between Russia and China. Ryan recognizes the independence of Taiwan and the United States Armed Forces help Russia defeat the Chinese invasion of Siberia.
Back when he was a humble CIA analyst, Ryan aids in the defection of a Soviet officer who knows of a plan to assassinate the Pope.
Features the rise of Jack Ryan's son, Jack Ryan Jr., as an intelligence analyst, and then a field consultant, for The Campus, an off-the-books intelligence agency with the freedom to discreetly assassinate individuals "who threaten national security", following the retirement of Jack Sr. from the Presidency. Note: This is the latest book of the Jack Ryan series by Tom Clancy, introducing his son and his two nephews as heirs to his spook-legacy.

The Hunt for Red October (1984)

Clancy's first novel. Jack Ryan assists in the defection of a respected Soviet naval captain, along with the most advanced ballistic missile submarine of the Soviet fleet. The movie (1990) stars Alec Baldwin as Ryan and Sean Connery as Captain Ramius.

Red Storm Rising (1986)

War between NATO and USSR. The basis of the submarine combat game of the same name, this is one of two Clancy novels to date not set in his Ryanverse, (although the protagonist of the story has many similarities with Jack Ryan). He co-wrote it with Larry Bond.

Patriot Games (1987)

Ryan saves the Prince of Wales from terrorists, who go after Ryan and his family. The 1992 movie stars Harrison Ford as Ryan, and has a fictional lord instead of the Prince of Wales. (John Clark later tells Jack Ryan in Clear and Present Danger that he was on the helicopter that had to turn back when attacking the terrorist camps in northern Africa.) It should be noted that the events of "Patriot Games" are mentioned as part of Jack Ryan's past in "The Hunt for Red October", and therefore is a prequel to that story.

The Cardinal of the Kremlin (1988)

First appearance of John Clark and Sergey Golovko. Secret anti-satellite lasers (SDI), high-stakes diplomacy, spies and computer geeks (Major Gregory is introduced here and shown later as updating SAM software in The Bear and the Dragon).

Clear and Present Danger (1989)

Drug war in Colombia involving special forces and secret operations. Ryan and Clark finally meet; first appearance of "Ding" Chavez who is one of the operators in the special forces teams and Clark's protege in later novels. The movie (1994) stars Harrison Ford as Ryan, Willem Dafoe as Clark and Raymond Cruz as Chavez.

The Sum of All Fears (1991)

Israel loses a nuclear weapon, which terrorists use to foment war between U.S. and Soviets, which is averted by Ryan in a cliffhanger. The 2002 movie stars Ben Affleck as Ryan, Liev Schreiber as Clark, and changes the identity and motivation of the terrorists (from muslims to neo-nazis; to appease the politically correct).

Without Remorse (1993)

Chronologically the first book featuring John Kelly/John Clark, detailing Clark's life before joining the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Set during the Vietnam War era, it tells about the past of John Kelly, how he assumed the Clark mantle, and tells how Clark became a CIA officer. Jack Ryan's father (Emmett Ryan) has a key role; Jack Ryan has a tiny cameo.

Debt of Honor (1994)

Ryan as National Security Advisor, and John Clark and Domingo Chavez as agents with Russian cover, help win a military and economic war with a nuclear-armed Japan. Golovko makes a cameo here.

Executive Orders (1996)

Sequel to Debt of Honor. Ryan, propelled into the presidency as a result of events in Debt of Honor, survives press hazing, assassination attempts and biological warfare—Clark and Ding trace the virus to a Middle Eastern madman, and the U.S. military goes to work.

SSN: Strategies for Submarine Warfare (1996)

Follows the missions of USS Cheyenne in a future war with China precipitated by their invasion of the disputed Spratly Islands. Also not a Ryaniverse book, SSN is actually a loosely connected collection of "scenario" chapters in support of the eponymous computer game.

Rainbow Six (1998)

Released to coincide in with the computer game of the same name. John Clark and Ding, who is now John's son-in-law, lead an elite multi-national anti-terrorist unit that combats a worldwide genocide attempt by eco-terrorists motivated by radical environmentalism and sponsored by a global biotechnology corporation and its 'Gates-like' founder. (Jack Ryan is the U.S. President and only mentioned or referred to as either 'The President' or 'Jack'.)

The Bear and the Dragon (2000)

War between Russia and China. Ryan recognizes the independence of Taiwan and the United States Armed Forces help Russia defeat the Chinese invasion of Siberia.

Red Rabbit (2002)

Back when he was a humble CIA analyst, Ryan aids in the defection of a Soviet officer who knows of a plan to assassinate the Pope.

The Teeth of the Tiger (2003)

Features the rise of Jack Ryan's son, Jack Ryan Jr., as an intelligence analyst, and then a field consultant, for The Campus, an off-the-books intelligence agency with the freedom to discreetly assassinate individuals "who threaten national security", following the retirement of Jack Sr. from the Presidency. Note: This is the latest book of the Jack Ryan series by Tom Clancy, introducing his son and his two nephews as heirs to his spook-legacy.

By publication date

By series plot chronology
* These books feature John Clark only, although Jack Ryan has a short conversation with his father in Without Remorse, and is also referenced to in "Rainbow Six" briefly a couple of times (as the US President and referred to only as 'Jack').
** This book features Ryan's son (Jack Ryan Jr.).
Listed in chronological order according to plot.

Without Remorse (1993) *
Patriot Games (1987)
Red Rabbit (2002)
The Hunt for Red October (1984)
The Cardinal of the Kremlin (1988)
Clear and Present Danger (1989)
The Sum of All Fears (1991)
Debt of Honor (1994)
Executive Orders (1996)
Rainbow Six (1998) *
The Bear and the Dragon (2000)
The Teeth of the Tiger (2003) ** Jack Ryan/John Clark universe

Red Storm Rising (1986)
SSN (1996) Novels not in the series

Op-Center (1995) by Jeff Rovin
Mirror Image (1996) by Jeff Rovin
Games of State (1996) by Jeff Rovin
Acts of War (1997) by Jeff Rovin
Balance of Power (1998) by Jeff Rovin
State of Siege (1999) by Jeff Rovin
Divide and Conquer (2000) by Jeff Rovin
Line of Control (2001) by Jeff Rovin
Mission of Honor (2002) by Jeff Rovin
Sea of Fire (2003) by Jeff Rovin
Call to Treason (2004) by Jeff Rovin
War of Eagles (2005) by Jeff Rovin Op-Center universe
Young Adult

Net Force (1998) by Steve Perry
Hidden Agendas (1999) by Steve Perry
Night Moves (1999) by Steve Perry
Breaking Point (1999) by Steve Perry
Point of Impact (2001) by Steve Perry
CyberNation (2001) by Steve Perry
State of War (2003) by Steve Perry and Larry Segriff
Changing of the Guard (2003) by Steve Perry and Larry Segriff
Springboard (2004) by Steve Perry and Larry Segriff
The Archimedes Effect (2006) by Steve Perry and Larry Segriff
Virtual Vandals (1999)
The Deadliest Game (1999)
One Is the Loneliest Number (1999)
The Ultimate Escape (1999)
The Great Race (1999)
End Game (1999)
Cyberspy (1999)
Shadow of Honor (2000)
Private Lives (2000)
Safe House (2000)
Gameprey (2000)
Duel Identity (2000)
Deathworld (2000)
High Wire (2001)
Cold Case (2001)
Runaways (2001)
Cloak and Dagger (2003)
Death Match (in the UK released in 2002 as "Own Goal") (2003) NetForce universe

Politika (novel, 1997) by Jerome Preisler
Politika (computer game, 1997) by Red Storm Entertainment
ruthless.com (novel, 1998) by Jerome Preisler
ruthless.com (computer game, 1998) by Red Storm Entertainment
Shadow Watch (novel, 1999) by Jerome Preisler
Shadow Watch (computer game, 1999) by Red Storm Entertainment
Bio-Strike (novel, 2000) by Jerome Preisler
Cold War (novel, 2001) by Jerome Preisler
Cutting Edge (novel, 2002) by Jerome Preisler
Zero Hour (novel, 2003) by Jerome Preisler
Wild Card (novel, 2004) by Jerome Preisler Power Plays universe

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (2004) by Raymond Benson as David Michaels
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Operation Barracuda (2005) by Raymond Benson as David Michaels
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Checkmate (2006) by unknown author as David Michaels Splinter Cell universe
Guided Tour
Study in Command

Submarine - A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship (1993)
Armored Cavalry - A Guided Tour of an Armored Cavalry Regiment (1994)
Fighter Wing - A Guided Tour of an Air Force Combat Wing (1995)
Marine - A Guided Tour of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (1996)
Airborne - A Guided Tour of an Airborne Task Force (1997)
Carrier - A Guided Tour of an Aircraft Carrier (1999)
Special Forces - A Guided Tour of U.S. Army Special Forces (2001)
Into the Storm - On the Ground in Iraq (with Fred Franks) (1997)
Every Man a Tiger - the Gulf War Air Campaign (1999)
Shadow Warriors - Inside the Special Forces (2002)
Battle Ready (with Anthony Zinni, 2004, ISBN 0-399-15176-1) Non-fiction
In 1996, Clancy co-founded the computer game developer Red Storm Entertainment and ever since he had his name on several of Red Storm's most successful games. Red Storm was later bought by publisher Ubisoft Entertainment, which continues to use the Clancy name. This game series includes
There were also video games based on the novel The Hunt for Red October and the film adaptation thereof. The two games were published by Grandslam Entertainment. The version based on the film was available on the ZX Spectrum, Amiga, Atari ST, IBM PC, Amstrad, Nintendo Entertainment System, Super NES and Game Boy systems, whereas the version based on the book was available on the Atari ST, Amiga, Amstrad 1512 pc, Amstrad CPC, Apple Macintosh, ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 systems.
Many of the games bearing the Clancy name have been very successful, spawning several sequels and expansions. It is unknown how much input Clancy actually has into the games.

Red Storm Rising: A submarine sim game loosely based on the novel of the same name. Produced in 1990 by MicroProse for C64 and Amiga.
SSN: Based on the novel of the same name.
Shadow Watch: Turn based strategy based on the Power Play novel [1].
Rainbow Six Series: Squad-based first-person shooters, based on the novel of the same name, typically taking place in closed urban environments.

• Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (1999)
  Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear (1999)
  Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield (2003)
  Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Lockdown (2005)
  Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Critical Hour (2006)
  Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas (2006)
  Ghost Recon Series: Squad-based first-person shooters/third-person shooters. As opposed to the Rainbow Six games, Ghost Recon usually takes placed in larger, outdoor environments.
  
  
  
  • Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon (2001)
    Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2 (2004)
    Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (2006)
    Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (2007)
    Splinter Cell Series: Third person stealth games, lately spawned a line of books written by a series of different authors, all writing under the pseudonym David Michaels.
    
    
    
    • Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (2002)
      Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (2004)
      Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (2005)
      Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Essentials (2006)
      Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent (2006)
      Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction (2008)
      End War Series : Upcoming franchise set in a speculative World War 3, taking place in 2020.
      
      
      
      • Tom Clancy's End War (2007) Trivia