By a strange coincidence, the work of the English writer Desmond Bagley (1923 - 1983) remained unknown to the Russian reading public for a long time. Meanwhile, Bagley is one of the founders of the modern Western adventure novel, and his name enjoys truly worldwide fame. The future writer was born in England in 1923, took part in the Second World War, after which he moved to Africa and until the release of his first novel “The Golden Keel” in 1963, he led a life full of adventures, changing many occupations and eventually choosing the profession of journalist. "The Golden Keel", which became a bestseller, allowed Bagley and his wife to return to England and engage exclusively in literary work. In the 60s - 70s. The circulation of Bagley's books occupied one of the first places in the world, each of his new novels became a bestseller and was immediately filmed, and even now his books continue to be republished in many countries.