Shute, Nevil (1899-1960), was a British writer of best-selling novels of tension and adventure. He published his first novel, Marazan, in 1926. The best known of his more than 20 novels include No Highway (1948), A Town Like Alice (1949), and On the Beach (1953). Shute was born in London. His full name was Nevil Shute Norway. He graduated from Oxford University after serving as a pilot during World War I (1914-1918). He had a successful career as a designer and builder of aircraft. His special knowledge gives many of his novels great authenticity. During World War II (1939-1945), he served in a section of the navy devoted to designing weapons. After the war, he settled in Australia.
