Alistair MacLean, the Scottish novelist known for bestsellers such as 'The Guns of Navarone' and 'Where Eagles Dare,' started his professional writing career at The Herald newspaper in Glasgow. According to verified historical records, MacLean worked as a journalist at the publication before transitioning to fiction writing.
MacLean's time at The Herald provided him with a foundation in concise storytelling and research, skills that later contributed to his success as a thriller writer. His novels, often set in wartime or adventure contexts, sold millions of copies worldwide and were adapted into major films.
While MacLean is frequently described as one of the most successful authors of his era, specific sales figures or the exact title 'most successful author on planet' could not be independently verified. However, his impact on the thriller genre is widely acknowledged.