John Michael Crichton (1942 - 2008) was a Harvard Medical School Alumnus, American author, screenwriter, director, producer, and world traveler. Crichton is best known for writing novels in the areas of science and medical fiction as well as more mainstream thrillers. Crichton's books include: Airframe, The Andromeda Strain, Congo, Disclosure, Jurassic Park, The Lost World, Prey, Rising Sun, Sphere, Timeline, and Travels.