Gene Hackmans film career isshorthand for greatness, from roles like Francis Ford CoppolasThe Conversationto Clint EastwoodsUnforgiven.
AsRolling StonesRob Sheffield put it, no film was ever worse off for having Hackman in it.
He never formally retired from acting, but he became increasingly reclusive and was rarely spotted in public.
Gene HackmanVera Anderson/WireImage
The result wasWake of the Perdido Star, a swashbuckling historical adventure.
Hackmans five novels included historical adventures, cop dramas, and westerns.
The book is currently out of print.
Its currently out of print but available as an audiobook.
The gritty western follows Jubal Young on a quest for revenge.
