James Clavell was a British novelist, screenwriter, director, and World War II veteran. His most famous works are the novels 'Taipan', 'SHOGUN' and 'Noble House'. 'Taipan' is a novel set in Hong Kong during the 19th century, focusing on the struggles of a British trader to survive in a foreign land. 'SHOGUN' is a historical novel set in feudal Japan, depicting the life of a European sailor who becomes a powerful samurai. 'Noble House' is a novel set in modern-day Hong Kong, focusing on the struggles of a British trading company to survive in a rapidly changing world. All three of these novels are considered classics of the genre and have been adapted into films and television series.