Another thoughtful, and enjoyable, essay, General. Thank you.
The mention of Clancy's careful detail of the technology domain and situating the plot within geo-strategic international affairs brought to mind a wonderful naval series by Patrick O'Brian, who likewise employs great precision when describing sailing warships, the routines of extended life at sea and pitched naval engagements, nautical lore and nomenclature, and varied cultural profiles all set during the Napoleonic Wars.
Like Clancy's early writing, the O'Brian stories offer a gripping narrative, though I read them many years ago as adventurous sea yarns before acquiring a more focused interest in contemporary state-level conflict, strategy & tactics, and leadership.
The essay brought to mind how that excellent historical fiction series also fits within this interesting discussion of the military fiction genre - with comparable consideration possible of the opportunities and constraints afforded by the various technologies and professional standards of that earlier era.
The good news/bad news is that the series is comprised of some 20 books.
Another thoughtful, and enjoyable, essay, General. Thank you.
The mention of Clancy's careful detail of the technology domain and situating the plot within geo-strategic international affairs brought to mind a wonderful naval series by Patrick O'Brian, who likewise employs great precision when describing sailing warships, the routines of extended life at sea and pitched naval engagements, nautical lore and nomenclature, and varied cultural profiles all set during the Napoleonic Wars.
Like Clancy's early writing, the O'Brian stories offer a gripping narrative, though I read them many years ago as adventurous sea yarns before acquiring a more focused interest in contemporary state-level conflict, strategy & tactics, and leadership.
The essay brought to mind how that excellent historical fiction series also fits within this interesting discussion of the military fiction genre - with comparable consideration possible of the opportunities and constraints afforded by the various technologies and professional standards of that earlier era.
The good news/bad news is that the series is comprised of some 20 books.