Robert Ludlum

Robert Ludlum wrote 21 novels, each one becoming a New York Times best-seller. They often concern a lone individual or isolated group up against a corrupt political or corporate system. Meticulously researched, his stories were usually based on a contemporary or historical conspiracy theory where shadowy figures behind the scenes are manipulting the status quo for their own non-benevolent purposes. Born in New York CIty in 1927, Ludlum worked as an actor and a producer in the theatre before becoming a writer. He died in 2001 in Naples, reputedly leaving behind unfinished manuscripts and outlines which publishers are still putting into print, with the help of ghost writers, the most recent being 'The Bancroft Strategy' in 2006. Sequels to his books are also being written, including the 2007-released 'The Bourne Betrayal' by Eric Lustbader. "I equate suspense and good theatre in a very similar way. I think it's all suspense and what-happens-next. From that point of view, yes, I guess, I am theatrical." - Robert Ludlum