Picture a Canadian adventurer who dives into ancient shipwrecks and spins tales of lost civilizations—meet David Gibbins! A bestselling author and underwater archaeologist, Gibbins has thrilled millions with his Jack Howard series, blending pulse-pounding fiction with historical truths. Translated into 30 languages, his archaeological thrillers uncover mysteries from Atlantis to ancient Rome, all fueled by his real-life expeditions.
With over three million books sold, Gibbins is no desk-bound writer. His stories pulse with the excitement of his dives into the Mediterranean and beyond, earning him spots on the New York Times and London Sunday Times bestseller lists. Ready to explore the world through his eyes? Let’s dive in!
The Making of David Gibbins
Born in 1962 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to British academic parents, David Gibbins grew up in Canada, New Zealand, and England, soaking up a global perspective. By 15, he was scuba diving in Canada, exploring shipwrecks and caves—an early spark for his lifelong passion. Gibbins earned a First Class Honours Degree in Ancient Mediterranean Studies from the University of Bristol and a PhD in archaeology from Cambridge, where he excavated Roman wrecks off Sicily. His academic career included teaching at the University of Liverpool, but the call of storytelling proved stronger.
David Gibbins’s Unforgettable Stories
Gibbins’s novels are a thrilling mix of fact and fiction, anchored by his expertise in underwater archaeology. His Jack Howard series, starting with Atlantis (2005), follows a marine archaeologist unraveling ancient secrets, from the lost city of Atlantis to the Ark of the Covenant. Atlantis, a global hit in 30 languages, blends myth with plausible science, captivating readers with its vivid settings and high-stakes adventure.
Other standouts include Crusader Gold (2006), a New York Times bestseller chasing the lost menorah of Jerusalem, and Pharaoh (2013), which dives into Egypt’s ancient mysteries. Gibbins’s non-fiction work, A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks (2024), showcases his scholarly side, weaving tales of maritime history. His style—rich with historical detail, fast-paced, and grounded in real archaeology—appeals to fans of Indiana Jones and Dan Brown, offering a thinking person’s thriller.
Whether exploring Roman ruins or Nazi-era wrecks, Gibbins’s stories reflect his own dives, from the Arctic to the Great Lakes. His ability to make ancient history feel urgent and alive sets him apart in the archaeological thriller genre.
Why David Gibbins Matters
David Gibbins has redefined the archaeological thriller, making dusty artifacts pulse with modern relevance. His novels inspire curiosity about the past, encouraging readers to see history as a living, breathing adventure. As a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellow and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Gibbins bridges academia and pop culture, proving that rigorous scholarship can fuel blockbuster stories. His work has sparked interest in underwater archaeology, showing how shipwrecks unlock humanity’s shared history.
With a TV miniseries of Atlantis in development, Gibbins’s influence continues to grow, captivating new audiences. His legacy lies in making the ancient world accessible, thrilling, and profoundly human.
About David Gibbins
- Born: 1962 in Saskatoon, Canada
- Key Works: Atlantis, Crusader Gold, Pharaoh, A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks
- Awards: Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellow, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society
- Fun Fact: Learned to scuba dive at 15 and has explored wrecks worldwide
Snag Atlantis and dive into David Gibbins’s thrilling world of archaeological adventure!