Alistair MacLean (1922–1987) is a British author of adventure and fast-paced prose who wrote 28 novels and a number of short stories, and also worked as a screenwriter. His works became internationally famous: the total print run exceeded 150 million copies, and 18 films were produced based on MacLean’s books, screenplays, and plot developments. In 1983, the University of Glasgow awarded the writer a Doctor of Letters degree.
“Last Frontier” is a spy thriller set against the backdrop of the Cold War. The main character, a British agent, comes into conflict with the Hungarian secret police while attempting to carry out a mission to free an abducted scientist—his compatriot. In 1961, the novel was adapted for the screen under the title “Secret Paths”.