Clive Cussler Books In Order

Publication Order of Dirk Pitt Books

Publication Order of NUMA Files Books

Publication Order of Oregon Files Books

Publication Order of Isaac Bell Adventures Books

Chronological Order of Isaac Bell Adventures Books

Publication Order of Children's Books

Publication Order of Fargo Adventures Books

Publication Order of The Sea Hunters Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of General Military Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Clive Cussler:

Clive Cussler was a well known adventure novelist who is many times referred to as the “ Grand Master of adventure.” He was born on July 15, 1931 in Aurora, Illinois but spent most of his growing up days in Alhambra, California. Clive sadly passed away on February 24th, 2020. After attending Pasadena City College for a couple of years he joined the US Air Force and served during the Korean War.

He worked up to the status of Sergeant while he was in the Air Force and served as an aircraft mechanic as well as a flight engineer working in various capacities for air transport services. Upon being discharged from the military he worked as a copywriter and then took a position with two ad agencies where he was the creative director. During his time with the ad agencies, Cussler wrote and produced numerous television and radio commercials which won several international awards. One of these awards was given at the prominent Cannes Film Festival.

Early Writing Career

In 1965, Cussler began working on his first Dirk Pitt novel and published it in the year 1973. He released The Sea Hunters, his first non fiction work, was published in 1996. In May of 1997, the Board of Governors of the Maritime College at the State University of New York considered this work in lieu of the thesis required to obtain a Ph.D., and therefore awarded him a Doctor of Letters degree.

This was highly unusual since the college had not bestowed such a degree since its founding in 1874. When Cussler’s wife started working nights at their local police department, he found himself with too much time and no one to talk to so he chose to start writing. Because of his background he created his most remembered character, Dirk Pitt who was a marine engineer, adventurer and government agent. His first couple of novels were basic maritime thrillers but when he wrote the third, it set the precedent for years to come. Cussler had found his niche as he began crafting the type of novel he would be noted for.

His novels are known for the perfect blend of high technology and high adventure and usually involved sunken treasures, lost ships, beautiful women and stereotypical maniac villains. He based many of his novels by looking at things from a historical perspective and considered things like if Atlantis was actually real or what if Lincoln was not assassinated, but kidnapped instead? He has had more than 17 of his written works make the best-seller list for the New York Times.

Cussler Outside of Writing

The National Underwater and Marine Agency, or NUMA, is a non profit organization which was founded by Cussler. The organization is dedicated to discovering and sharing both maritime and naval history. Cussler and an entire crew of marine experts along with numerous NUMA volunteers have been able to discover more than 60 underwater wreck sites which have historical significance.

Once they verified these finds, the artifacts were handed over to various government entities, universities and non profit organizations around the globe. Along with serving as Chairman of NUMA, Clive Cussler is also a fellow in the Royal Geographic Society in London and the Explorers Club of New York. Cussler is also known as an avid collector of classic automobiles. He owns some excellent examples of 50’s convertibles and custom coachwork that are available anywhere. He houses these beauties in Golden, Colorado and divides his time between the desert of Arizona and mountains of Colorado.

Written Works of Clive Cussler

Cussler has written books which have been published in over 40 different languages and in over 100 countries. His fan base is comprised of over 90 million crazed fans. His books are divided and organized into various types and by series. Here are the books and series written by Cussler: The Dirk Pitt Series includes The Mediterranean Caper in (1973), Iceberg in (1975), Raise the Titanic in (1976), Vixen 03 in (1981), Night Probe in (1981), Pacific Vortex in (1983), Deep Six in (1984), Cyclops in (1986), Treasure in (1988), Dragon in (1990), Sahara in (1992), Inca Gold in (1994), Shock Wave in (1996), Flood Tide in (1997), Atlantis Found in (1999), Valhalla Rising in (2001), Trojan Odyssey in (2003), Black Wind in (2004), Treasure of Khan in (2006), Arctic Drift in (2008), Crescent Dawn in (2010) and Poseiden’s Arrow in the year (2012).

He also wrote the Numa Files Series which includes Serpent written on (1999), Blue Gold in (2000), Fire Ice in (2002), White Death in (2003), Lost City in (2004), Polar Shift in (2005), The Navigator in (2007), Medusa in (2009), Devil’s Gate in (2011), The Storm in (2012) and Zero Hour which he finished just recently this year (2013). Clive Cussler’s Oregon Files Series includes the following: Golden Buddha in (2003), Sacred Stone in (2004), Dark Watch in (2005), Skeleton Coast in (2006), Plague Ship in (2008), Corsair in (2009), The Silent Sea in (2010), The Jungle in (2011) and Mirage in (2013).

His Isaac Bell Series includes The Chase in (2007), The Wrecker in (2009), The Spy in (2010), The Race in (2011), The Thief in (2012), The Striker in (2013) and The Bootlegger (2014) Fargo Adventure Series includes Spartan Gold in (2009), Lost Empire in (2010), The Kingdom in (2011), and The Mayan Secrets (2013)

Clive Cussler worked on Non-Fiction Books like The Sea Hunters, written in (1996), Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed in the year (1998), The Sea Hunters II in (2002) and Built for Adventure in the year (2011). He also wrote some Children’s Books such as The Adventure of Vin Fiz, written in the year (2006) and The Adventures of Hotsy Totsy in (2010)

Books to Film

Cussler has had several books which have been displayed on the big screen. The first film that was made from a Cussler book was his hit novel,Raise the Titanic!. This riveting story was filmed for only $36 million but when it was all said it done, it grossed over $13 million. Paramount Pictures also made a movie from his work, Sahara which was released in 2005.This movie grossed over $120 million.

Most Notable Character

Dirk Pitt is by far the best known of Cussler’s characters. This fictional character is found as a protagonist in Cussler’s Dirk Pitt series. Dirk is portrayed as an adventurer who seizes any opportunity he has of saving the day. Dirk’s life resembles Cussler in many ways down to his passion for classic cars. Pitt’s is characterized as one who loves the sea and does not shy away from challenges; but actually embraces them.

54 Responses to “Clive Cussler”

1. Pete Lunde: 2 years ago

   Anybody ever watch The Flash Gordon films from the 1930s? They still are a hoot to watch, especially Charles Middleton as Ming the Mercilus. Not to be missed. Try you kids on them and see which ones have the imagination and delight I had when I saw them. It makes no difference that they are B&W from the 30s, they still have that mad kind of adventurous spirit so lacking today.

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2. Ron Hoff & Dollyann Myers: 2 years ago

   We both love all of Cussler’s books, but REALLY like the Oregon series. Hope someone can keep these book series going.
   Rest in Peace Clive. Well done.

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3. Joy Brawner: 2 years ago

   I have collected all of Clive Cussler books. I have read all of them. I love his writings and Dirk Cusslers.

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4. Rob: 2 years ago

   After my wife first picked a Clive Cussler book up for me & just after reading the prologue I was hooked as I am nearly finished reading Condor’s Fury as I went back to the first book to keep inline with the series of NUMA file stories along with Issac Bell & Fargo adventures as they are hard to put down as you get intrigued as to what is around the next corner, Yes I love all of Clives books as he was a true master of stories as he features in some of them.

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5. Garret Jones: 2 years ago

   A tribute to the master. I picked up The Mediterranean Caper in paperback at the local bookstore back in 1980 while serving aboard a Coast Guard cutter. At that point I had no idea who Clive Cussler was or what he had written. I was enthralled, which started a quest to read all his works up to that point. Vixen 03 and Night Probe were my next two to read while underway, with all the others keeping me awake between watches. These books made the rounds on the ship as many in the crew became fans too. Book sharing on ships is quite common and most ships had pretty good paperback libraries with regular contributions from the crew. Since I have read all his works and most of those by others who use his characters.
   Clive Cussler is missed by so many. It’s nice his son and others have picked up the reins to continue many of the series because the characters created by Clive are timeless.
   Fair winds and following seas in the great afterlife, Clive. You are missed by millions.

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   • Derek Nielsen: 2 years ago

     Same here, I picked up the Mediterranean caper then I couldn’t stop. I have got pretty much nearly all his books including with Dirk Pitt and Al Giordano and Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, the Numa files, the Oregon Files, Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt revealed, Seahunters, two of his books that have his collection of automobiles and I even have on DVD the sea Hunters so basically I have all his fictional works and non-fictional works. He’s right up there with Clancy, Crichton, Harrison, Nance and Coonts.

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6. Don Milam: 3 years ago

   I first started reading Cussler books working in South West Texas, ridding fence.(checking for busted wire). Nights were lonely and scary all alone. Reading by campfire light took my mind off scary things and sounds at night from crazy brush cattle, ( they had seen a human) so they would sometimes charge to knock your horse down or cause emergency to “crowhop” removing my butt off the saddle. Anyway I love his work saved a young boy from many a lonely nights. He will be remembered.

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7. Albert J Williams: 3 years ago

   DID some hard time once. His writings got me through it.

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8. Robert Hartley: 3 years ago

   I started reading clive Cussler while living in the arctic in the early 80s. He has been my favorite author ever since. Sosad that he has passed.

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9. Andrew: 3 years ago

   I’ve been reading Clive’s (and his friends’) books since the 80’s. Personal favourite is Atlantis Found. The Poulters were Dad’s neighbours when he was a kid. Dad & Tommy (jr.) spent lots of time together, and he remembered watching the Snow Cruiser tests. Thanks for making a good reason for it to be left where it was, and thanks for years of great reads!

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   • Derek Nielsen: 2 years ago

     Mine was Raise the Titanic

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10. Erica Sams: 3 years ago

    Hello from Australia. Clive Cussler is my favourite author with the Oregon Files at number one on my list. How sad that Clive has gone though it seems that other authors have taken over – thank goodness. Just purchased latest Oregon Files – Hellburner. Long may they all continue.

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11. Theresa Girdwain: 3 years ago

    Clive Cussler is my favorite author and I’ve found it hard to find a replacement for such good adventure storyteller. Hope his son continues writing.

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12. Joanne Stephens: 3 years ago

    My first book by Clive Cussler was found in an apple box with a number of other books. I paid $5.00 for this box. While going through this box I found my first two Clive Cussler books “Mediterranean Caper” (1973) and “Pacific Vortex” (1984). These were the beginning of a lifelong love of Clive Cussler’s books. I have them all and have read and reread them many times over. I cried when I heard that he was gone and wondered if there would be any more books. Thankfully he has a son that is writing and several other authors that are doing a great job.

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13. Pete Lunde: 4 years ago

    I grew up reading Tom Swift, Hardy Boys, and others, and watching Flash Gordon serials at a local YMCA in NJ. That special sense of fun came back to me when DVD sets emerged with collections of those films. Cussler’s books revived that sense of reading enjoyment from those years, but his are also quite readable from an adult point of view, but without any prurient language, sex, or terrible violence. If schools have trouble getting kids to read, they should stop pushing Shakespeare and other ‘great’ writers and give kids alternatives like Cussler’s adventure books that can be fun for most to read. Young people will turn to the greats in time, but first, give them something fun and adventurous to read and help pass time while growing up.

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14. karen cooke: 4 years ago

    I have loved Clive Cussler’s books since I read Raise the Titanic. I have all of his books, most in hardback except The Serpent’s Eye (2022) and Dark Vecter (to be released 2022) I feel I have lost a member of my family.

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15. Fred Langille: 4 years ago

    I was saddened to hear of Clive Cussler’s passing. Years ago, when Atlantis Found was published, it came out on my birthday and, I wrote him asking if he would autograph my book for me. He wrote back, told me to send it to him and, after doing so, shortly received it back, autographed. I wrote once more on his books to film and again, he wrote back. Both letters are kept with the book. His concept of “write what you know” has inspired me to begin my own book (on chapter 9) and, have my own collector car … an ‘89 Nissan S-Cargo van. His inspiration is helping me t keep going with The American Ranger, WV’s only super-hero who “… is fighting the past and protecting the future!” He may not be as iconic as Dirk Pitt but, he’s not done yet!

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16. Thomas: 4 years ago

    I read my first Clive Cussler book Valhalla Rising. I hadn’t read any of his books to this point but was so engrossed in the story I finished it in 2 days. I have since read most of his books to date and have most of them. They will be a focal point in a library I’m putting together currently. All will put in order. Currently reading Sea of Greed. Any book does not disappoint and look forward to future books.

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17. Dr. Robert Schirone: 4 years ago

    I met Clive at an Explores Club meeting where we spoke at length and he signed the program booklet with this incription “To Robert who was the inspiration for Dirk Pitt’

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18. Ron Burn: 4 years ago

    I live in the UK and I have over 80 of Clive’s books, the only writer anything like him is Lee Childs. These two have made my reading such a pleasure. God bless you Clive

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    • Max Garrod: 4 years ago

      Dear Ron, please try the books of Andy McDermott, he is very close in the adventure genre, and maybe Matthew Reilly, The Jack West Junior Series, and Scarecrow stories, and I especially liked “The Temple”, as a stand alone story of his. Respectfully. Max in Grafton Australia

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19. Graham Marks: 4 years ago

    I have been an admirer of Mr Cussler for many years. Accumulating ovar 60 in paper back. Alas with age and sight problems I have replaced all my collection in hardback. With just a few to complete the collection. So sorry to hear of his passing recently but his name will never be forgotten.
    R. I. P. Clive.

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20. warren demarest: 4 years ago

    Started reading his books @ 1984 and am just finishing up Saboteurs and Fast Ice. The only books better than his are the 66 books of the bible. God bless you Clive, for all of your books were clean and wholesome and are something that Jesus or God would enjoy, but they inspired his mind and gave him his life. Amen RIP

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21. Anne: 5 years ago

    I love Clive Cusslers books, and I was very sad when he passed away. I am hoping that his son Dirk will carry on writing them book as he has been co author on the Dirk Pitt series and writes in the same style as Clive.

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    • Mary Barineau: 3 years ago

      I love reading his books. So sad to hear of his passing. I am an avid reader. I have most if his books, just a few of his latest books. Being on social security, money is limited, but when I can his books are the first on my list to buy. God bless his son and the other writers he has to keep writing good clean books. Once you start you can’t put it down.

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22. Jay A: 5 years ago

    Will Clive Cussler books continue after his passing through his related co-writers or his son?

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    • Graeme: 5 years ago

      I expect so with a couple of books having been released / upcoming since his passing.

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23. Susan F.: 5 years ago

    I too am sorry about our favorite author. For Steve Lucas, you may want to check out Ted Bell. Similar yet very different too. Still, no one can replace Clive Cussler.

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24. Steve lucas: 5 years ago

    I’m sorry to hear the amazing Clive Cussler has passed on. I am a quadriplegic Canadian and have been listening to the different audio books at my library. All of your stories have become instant favorites. Thank you for your hard work. And I will mourn such a great author’s loss.

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25. Tricia Holsomback: 6 years ago

    Which book was congresswoman loren smith first introduced?

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    • RMcCugh: 3 years ago

      Tricia, I’m not positive but I think that she was first introduced in “VIXEN 03.” If you read or listen to them in order, that is the first book I find her in. That is the fourth book of the series. I have read quite a few of the Dirk Pitt series and I’m currently trying to listen to them via YouTube and I’m trying to do it in order.

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    • RMcCugh: 3 years ago

      Loren Smith is introduced in book 5 of the series “VIXEN 03.” I submitted a reply a few minutes ago saying it was book 4 but I double checked and wanted to correct my comment. She appears in many of the books but I don’t remember if he ever married her. I don’t know if it was Clive or Dirk’s idea, but in some of the later books, we find that Pitt has two children (fraternal twins Dirk Jr and Summer) from his first lover in the first (sequentially) book, “Pacific Vortex.”

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26. Robert Rÿker: 8 years ago

    filmed for only $36 million but … grosed over $13 million. Hmmm. Does that make sense to you?

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    • Lucie Gray: 7 years ago

      I do not think that the movie made money. It was terrible.

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    • Martin Wilson: 2 years ago

      No pun intended but the film RTT was a financial disaster from the start
      The 2nd film Sahara was as messy with court case
      Don’t know if it’s ever been resolved
      I know CC said no more film rights to his books

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27. Kirk Irby: 8 years ago

    I’m trying to replace my first Cussler book lost in a move. I don’t remember the title but do remember that it involved the Ebola virus and the antagonist was I think a Mexican dictator or businessman. It had to be one of his earlier DIrk Pitt works. Any help on this? Thanks

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28. thomson: 8 years ago

    I am looking for blue gold in a hardback can anyone help ??

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    • Jim Rein: 5 years ago

      Blue Gold is hard back size but I wouldn’t call it hard back. I have 84 of his books and would like to sell them.

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      • Mitch Mitchell: 4 years ago

        I love the cussler series!
        How much are you asking for the collection?

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29. Scott Meyer: 8 years ago

    Really like the isaac bell series

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30. Pete: 8 years ago

    One of my favorite authors.

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