 First US edition | |
| Author | Jon Cleary |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Collins (UK) William Morrow (US) |
Publication date | 1963 |
A Flight of Chariots is a 1963 novel written by Australian author Jon Cleary about two friends who fly planes during the Berlin Airlift and Korean War then become involved in the space program. [1]
Jon Stephen Cleary was an Australian writer and novelist. He wrote numerous books, including The Sundowners (1951), a portrait of a rural family in the 1920s as they move from one job to the next, and The High Commissioner (1966), the first of a long series of popular detective fiction works featuring Sydney Police Inspector Scobie Malone. A number of Cleary's works have been the subject of film and television adaptations.
O'Cleary is the surname of a learned Gaelic Irish family. It is the oldest recorded surname in Europe — dating back to 916 CE — and is cognate with cleric and clerk. The O'Clearys are a sept of the Uí Fiachrach dynasty, who ruled the Kingdom of Connacht for nearly two millennia. As Connachta, the O'Cleary's ruled the kingdom of Uí Fiachrach Aidhne for nearly 800 years. They are the descendants of Fiachrae, son of the High King Eochaid Mugmedon, and elder brother of legendary High King Niall of the Nine Hostages. According to legend, they ultimately trace their ancestry back to the mythical Fir Bolg, as well as to Milesius, and consequently to Japheth, son of Noah.
Jon Cleary is a British-born American funk and R&B musician based in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he has studied the "musical culture and life of New Orleans" according to his website. Cleary is an accomplished pianist as well as being a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter.
The Green Helmet is a 1961 British film starring Bill Travers, Ed Begley and Sid James. The film is centred on a British motor racing team. It is based on a 1957 novel by Australian author Jon Cleary.
The Sundowners is a 1952 novel by Australian writer Jon Cleary.
The Long Shadow is a 1949 novel from Australian author Jon Cleary. Cleary had just written his debut work, You Can't See 'Round Corners and was unsure what to do as a follow up. His editor Graham Greene suggested he try his hand at a thriller "because it will teach you the art of narrative and it will teach you the uses of brevity."
Back of Sunset is a 1959 Australian novel from Jon Cleary.
Strike Me Lucky is a 1959 novel written by Jon Cleary in collaboration with his wife Joy. The plot concerns an Australian family who discover gold and the effect this has on their small town.
The Long Pursuit is a 1967 novel written by the Australian author Jon Cleary about the escape of a group of survivors from the Battle of Singapore in the Second World War.
Dragons at the Party is a 1987 novel from Australian author Jon Cleary. It was the fourth book featuring Sydney homicide detective Scobie Malone, and marked the character's first appearance in print in fourteen years.
Forests of the Night is a 1963 novel from Australian author Jon Cleary. It is about a British plastic surgeon who visits his father in Burma and gets involved with a Catholic missionary, a killer tiger and a local rebel leader.
The Fall of an Eagle is a 1965 novel written by Australian author Jon Cleary set in Anatolia. The hero is an American engineer building a dam.
Season of Doubt is a 1968 novel written by Australian author Jon Cleary set in Beirut. Cleary and his wife researched the novel by traveling extensively through the city.
Remember Jack Hoxie is a 1969 novel written by Australian author Jon Cleary. It was a deliberate departure from the author after writing a series of adventure novels, being set in the world of pop music.
Vortex is a 1978 novel written by Australian author Jon Cleary about a tornado attack on a Missouri small town. Cleary wrote a screenplay based on it but no movie resulted.
The Faraway Drums is a 1981 novel written by Australian author Jon Cleary about an American journalist and British intelligence officer who try to stop the assassination of King George V at the 1911 Delhi Durbar. Film rights were sold but abandoned after it was realised how much an adaptation would cost.
Spearfield's Daughter is a 1982 novel written by Australian author Jon Cleary.
Bleak Spring is a 1993 novel from Australian author Jon Cleary. It was the tenth book featuring Sydney detective Scobie Malone.
This article presents a list of the historical events and publications of Australian literature during 1964.