The challenges of adapting Clavell's novel to film are documented in a 1980 book, The Making of James Clavell's 'Shogun.' The book furthers understanding of the novel by explaining the decisions made during filming.

Henry Smith edited a book in 1980, which helps clarify the relation of the novel to the understanding of Japanese history Learning from 'Shogun': Japanese History and Western Fantasy, shows how Clavell unmasks the myths that the West has of Japan and clarifies the history Clavell fictionalizes.

King Rat (1962) is based on Clavell's experiences in the death camp Changi. The story records one day in the life of an American prisoner of war, Peter Marlowe.

In 1963, an increasingly successful Clavell returned to his boyhood haunts in Hong Kong to research his next book. Published in 1966, Tai-Pan tells the tale of Hong Kong's strange establishment as one of...