Tom Clancy 's books have been given various labels--thrillers, suspense novels, science fiction--but the most accurate and frequently used designation is techno-thrillers. Even though Clancy insists he is not the creator of the genre, he is the writer most closely identified with it. Taking elements from both suspense novels and science fiction, he combines them with technological information to create a new type of thriller. Hallmarks of Clancy 's fiction are the use of current and futuristic scientific developments, lengthy discussions and explanations of computer abilities and possibilities, and modern weapons systems. His characters are drawn from the upper echelon of government as well as branches of the U.S. military, intelligence, and industrial complex. His intense patriotism and conservative political ideas permeate all his writing.

Clancy 's impact on popular literature has become so strong that he has achieved instant name recognition and has followings throughout much...