Michael Crichton was a writer and filmmaker, best known as the author of Jurassic Park and the creator of ER. One of the most popular entertainers in the world, Crichton sold more than 200 million copies of his books which have been translated into 40 languages and adapted into 15 films.

Long before the carefully researched techno-thrillers that ultimately brought him to fame, Crichton wrote high-octane suspense novels to support himself while studying at Harvard Medical School. He published eight of these books under the pseudonym John Lange between the years of 1966 and 1972. They provided him with the means to complete his education. He graduated at the top of his class.