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.
