SOURCE: "James Clavell, RIP," in National Review, New York, Vol. XLVI, October 10, 1994, pp. 23-4.

Buckley is an American political commentator, nonfiction writer, and novelist. In the following tribute, he reminisces about his friendship with Clavell.

A dozen years ago Chilton Williamson, at the time our book-review editor, called me to deliver a mildly complicated diplomatic message. It was this, that the young writer Terry Teachout (this was before he became famous) wished to have an interview with James Clavell, for publication in National Review. But Mr. Clavell, or perhaps someone on his staff, had passed along the word that Mr. Clavell would grant the interview only if I called him on the phone and requested it. I thought that protocol a little unusual, but not preposterous; and so I did call him. I have no memory of the conversation, in which I presumably gave the bona fides of...