Who Is Alistair MacLean? Age, Biography and Wiki
Alistair MacLean, born on April 21, 1922, was a prominent Scottish author known for his thrilling novels filled with suspense and adventure. He passed away on February 2, 1987, but his legacy continues to endure, inspiring countless readers and writers alike. MacLean's works often reflected his experiences during World War II, with books like "The Guns of Navarone" and "Where Eagles Dare" becoming classics in the adventure fiction genre. His ability to weave intricate plots with compelling characters remains influential in contemporary literature.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1922 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Shettleston, Glasgow, Scotland |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Germany |
| Date of death | 2 February, 1987 |
| Died Place | Munich, West Germany |
Popularity
Alistair MacLean's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While concrete details of Alistair MacLean's physical stature are often less documented compared to newer celebrities, he was described as possessing a commanding presence. As an author, his physical measurements, such as height and weight, were less significant than his literary contributions. Nevertheless, the charisma in his writing captivates audiences, standing taller than any physical attribute.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Alistair MacLean had a storied personal life, including several relationships throughout his years. He was married to his wife, Helen, with whom he shared a loving partnership until his death in 1987. While not much is publicly revealed about his dating history, MacLean's deep understanding of human relationships often permeated his writing, showcasing his insights into love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
MacLean was discharged from the Royal Navy in 1946. He then studied English at the University of Glasgow, working at the post office and as a street sweeper. He lived with his mother at 26 Carrington Street, at St Georges Cross, Glasgow while attending the university.
He graduated with an MA (Hons.) in 1950, briefly worked as a hospital porter, and then worked as a schoolteacher at Gallowflat School (now Stonelaw High School) in Rutherglen.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Alistair MacLean's net worth was estimated to be in the millions. His books have sold over 50 million copies worldwide, and the cinematic adaptations of his works brought additional revenue through royalties and licensing agreements. Although specific figures for 2025 are unavailable, it's clear that MacLean's legacy continues to generate earnings, solidifying his status as one of the most successful authors of his time.
MacLean was unhappy at the tax paid on earnings for his first two novels, so he moved to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, where he would pay less tax. He planned to write one novel a year. "It's all the market can stand," he said, adding it took him three months to write it.
Career, Business and Investments
MacLean's literary career spans several decades, during which he published over 29 novels, screenplays, and non-fiction works. His unique storytelling style combined with compelling narratives garnered him international recognition. Beyond writing, MacLean also ventured into screenwriting, adapting many of his novels for film, which broadened his audience and commercial success. His business acumen influenced his approach to the publishing industry, adding another layer to his legacy.
In 1963, MacLean decided to retire from writing, saying he never enjoyed it and only did it to make money. He decided to become a hotelier and bought the Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor and then bought two more hotels, the Bank House near Worcester and the Bean Bridge at Wellington in Somerset. MacLean focused on his hotel career for three years.
It was not a success, and by 1976, he had sold all three hotels. During this time, a film was made of The Satan Bug.
Social Network
Though social media was nonexistent during Alistair MacLean's lifetime, the modern literary world has embraced platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to celebrate his contributions. Followers of his works can delve into discussions about his novels in various online communities, keeping his literature alive for new generations. Many fans honor his memory with dedicated pages and forums, where they share insights, analyses, and recommendations for readers interested in adventure and thrillers.
"I'm not a novelist", he once said. "That's too pretentious a claim. I'm a storyteller, that's all. I'm a professional and a craftsman. I will make that claim for myself." MacLean also claimed he wrote very fast (35 days for a novel) because he disliked writing and the "sooner he finished, the better." He never reread a book after it was finished.
His novels were notable for their lack of sex. "I like girls", he said. "I just don't write them well. Everyone knows that men and women make love, laddie – there is no need to show it."
Education
MacLean's educational background played a significant role in shaping his writing. He attended the University of Glasgow, where he studied English, although his education was interrupted by World War II. His experiences during the war heavily influenced his writing style and themes throughout his career. MacLean’s ability to transform his life experiences into thrilling narratives remains a defining factor in his work.
In 1941, at the age of 19, MacLean was called up to fight in the Second World War with the Royal Navy, serving with the ranks of ordinary seaman, able seaman, and leading torpedo operator. He was first assigned to PS Bournemouth Queen, a converted excursion ship fitted for antiaircraft guns, on duty off the coasts of England and Scotland.
Beginning in 1943, he served on HMS Royalist (89), a Dido-class light cruiser. There, he saw action in 1943 in the Atlantic theatre, on two Arctic convoys and escorting aircraft carrier groups in operations against GERMAN BATTLESHIP Tirpitz, and other targets off the Norwegian coast. He took part in Convoy PQ 17 on Royalist.
In 1944, Royalist and he served in the Mediterranean theatre, as part of the invasion of southern France and in helping to sink blockade runners off Crete and bombard Milos in the Aegean. During this time, MacLean may have been injured in a gunnery-practice accident.
In 1945, in the Far East theatre, MacLean and Royalist saw action escorting carrier groups in operations against Japanese targets in Burma, Malaya, and Sumatra.
(MacLean's late-in-life claims that he was captured by the Japanese after blowing up bridges, and tortured by having his teeth pulled out, have been dismissed by both his son and his biographer as drunken ravings). After the Japanese surrender, Royalist helped evacuate liberated POWs from Changi Prison in Singapore.
