Michael Crichton's website is reporting that the author died last night in Los Angeles after "a courageous and private battle against cancer." Few details are being released, and the family is asking for privacy. No public service is planned.
The Chicago-born author was known for his mega-bestselling thrillers, including Jurassic Park and the sequel, The Lost World. His books were frequently made into films: The Andromeda Strain, The Great Train Robbery, Congo, Sphere, Rising Sun, and Disclosure among them. He also scripted and directed 1973's Westworld and 1984's Runaway, and had a hand in movies including Twister and Coma. He is credited as the creator, producer, and executive writer of the long-running medical drama E.R.
His novels were generally slick, speculative page-turners that veered into science fiction, but they were also heavily informed by research, real-world technological developments, and Crichton's own outspoken opinions, particularly on politics and government policy.
Some websites, including Amazon.com, claim a new Crichton book, title pending, is due out in December, but that remains unconfirmed at this time. Instead of speculating, we recommend re-reading Jurassic Park, which is a hell of an interesting book even if you can't actually, like, see the dinosaurs eating each other.