| Summary: | Abstract The research paper is an analysis of the connection between the war/spy thrillers of Alistair MacLean and the historical events that transpired during both World War II and the Cold War era. Alistair MacLean, a notable Scottish novelist of the 20 th century, gained immense popularity for his writings, particularly his spy thrillers set amidst the backdrop of wartime atmospheres. Taking into account MacLean's two renowned novels, HMS Ulysses and Ice Station Zebra , this study aims to explore how these literary works influenced and were influenced by the geopolitical tensions prevalent during the Cold War as well as the context of World War II. HMS Ulysses , generally regarded as MacLean's debut novel focused on World War II, offers insights into the events that shaped the subsequent Cold War era. Published in 1955 and later released by Fontana Books in 1960, this novel portrays the geopolitical tensions emerging during the second half of the 20 th century's initial stage of the Cold War, between the United States and the Soviet Union, along with their respective allies, the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc. Ice Station Zebra, another thrilling masterpiece by Alistair MacLean published in 1963, brings readers back to MacLean's classic Arctic setting. Unlike HMS Ulysses , which primarily showcases the turmoil of World War II where Russia was not perceived as a direct threat, Ice Station Zebra explicitly portrays the conflicts between the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc, particularly the USSR, emblematic of the ongoing Cold War. Remarkably, the novel also reflects many real-life events that unfolded during this tense global standoff. Upon examining the novel from a communist perspective, it becomes apparent that Ice Station Zebra subtly explores the clash between Capitalism and Communism, ultimately portraying the victory of capitalist ideology. This observation becomes more evident as one deeply analyses the intricate storyline of the novel. Therefore, this study aims to shed light on how the period ...
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