Praise for Clive Cussler and Dirk PittDirk Pitt is oceanographys answer to Indiana Jones. Exotic locations, ruthless villains and many narrow escapesCusslers fans come for swashbuckling [and] he delivers. Associated PressAbout the AuthorClive Cussleris the author of more than fifty books in five bestselling series, including Dirk Pitt, NUMA Files, Oregon Files, Isaac Bell, and Fargo. His life nearly parallels that of his hero Dirk Pitt. Whether searching for lost aircraft or leading expeditions to find famous shipwrecks, he and his NUMA crew of volunteers have discovered more than seventy-five lost ships of historic significance, including the long-lost Confederate submarineHunley, which was raised in 2000 with much press publicity. Like Pitt, Cussler collects classic automobiles. His collection features more than eighty examples of custom coachwork. Cussler lives in Arizona and Colorado. why books are important than internet The Mediterranean Caper: The First Dirk Pitt Novel, A 40th Anniversary Edition (Dirk Pitt Adventure)
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. 40 years later, Clive Cussler's first published Dirk Pitt novel remains as eminently readable as everBy Christian D. Orr(I've read it three times now--previous reads were in 1987 and 2004). Everything you expect from a Pitt story--the slam-bang action, the exotic locales, exotic women, maritime and/or aviaition historical elements, the aura of mystery, the almost -larger-than-life megalomaniacal villains, the oceanographic technology, Pitt's coolness under fire, suaveness, and flair for smart-aleck humor (especially when bantering back forth with faithful sidekick Al Giordino)--are all here. Even after 40 years, this book still stands the test of time.Only a couple of nitpicks keep me from giving this book a full 5 stars:(1) I would expect a fellow U.S. Air Force veteran like Cussler to know that the proper name for the F-105 is the Thunderchief (or "Thud"), not the Starfire (the USAF *did* have a Starfire, but that was the F-94, which was retired in 1959, 14 years before "The Mediterreanean Caper's" original publication date).(2 The so-called Bureau of Narcotics had been officially renamed the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) in 1968 and again as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1973.Those minot criticisms aside, a highly enjoyable read and a wonderful introduction to Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt (and Al Giordino, Rudi Gunn, and Admiral James Sandecker) alike!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The First Is One Of The BestBy Jeffrey T. MunsonOver the years, Clive Cussler has introduced his readers to a number of exciting characters, including the Fargos, Isaac Bell, Kurt Austin, and Juan Cabrillo. But the one that started it all for Cussler is Dirk Pitt, and this 40th anniversary of Pitt's first adventure is full of action and intrigue.The drama starts when an old World War I-era German Albatross attacks an American Air Force Base on the island of Thasos. Coincidentally, Dirk and Al Giordino are flying in a PBY Catalina flying boat to check on the progress of the NUMA ship First Attempt which is in the area conducting marine experiments. Dirk and Al manage to chase the Albatross off, but not before the base is shot up and several planes destroyed.Unintentionally, Dirk and Al have flown themselves smack into the middle of a mystery that will take them to expensive villas, underground lairs and adventure on the high seas. They will also meet unscrupulous characters along the way, including a drug smuggler intent on delivering tons of heroin to the drug markets of the United States. Will Dirk and Al be able to crack the case?Over the years, I've become a big fan of Cussler's books, and it was fun for me to go back to the one that started it all. Cussler's style of writing remains the same now as then; his books are loaded with action, intrigue, and interesting characters. It was fun reading a story that was originally written forty years ago and seeing how cultural norms have changed since then.I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Mediterranean Caper". Dirk Pitt is probably Cussler's most recognizable character, and it was fun to see how he got his start. Highly recommended.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Dirk Pitt rocksBy Shirley CodyI am a big fan of Cussler, especially his Dirk Pitt adventures. This was an anniversary edition of his first Dirk Pitt novel. Dirk and Giordino are pulled into this caper after a vintage World War 11 airplane attacks a US Air Force base on a Greek Island. When a Numa scientific expedition close the island is sabotaged and attacked they find the two incidents are related. In their pursuit of finding the reason for the attacks they encounter a huge freighter with no crew and an underwater cavern with secrets. They are confronted with an smuggling ring, dangerous secrets, and an old Nazi criminal running the show. Of course, Dirk also has an adventure with a beautiful woman who is in the middle of all this. Fun, fast paced adventure and a great read.