Alistair MacLean was a Scottish author born on April 28, 1922, in Ayr, Scotland. He is best known for his thrilling adventure novels, many of which are set during World War II or involve military themes. Some of his most famous works include The Guns of Navarone and Where Eagles Dare, which have also been adapted into successful films. MacLean's writing career began in the 1950s, and he quickly gained popularity for his gripping plots and well-developed characters. Over his lifetime, he published more than 20 novels, earning a reputation as one of the leading writers of adventure fiction. He passed away on February 15, 1987, in Munich, Germany.