James Albert Michener ( February 3 , 1907 - October 16 , 1997 ) was an American writer . James Albert Michener ( ; February 3 , 1907 â `` October 16 , 1997 ) was an American author of more than 40 titles , the majority of which were sweeping sagas , covering the lives of many generations in particular geographic locales and incorporating historical facts into the stories . Michener was known for the meticulous research behind his work .