Michael Crichton Dies at 66

-- Publishers Weekly, 11/5/2008 12:21:00 PM

Michael Crichton, who wrote a string of bestsellers for Random House and HarperCollins, died yesterday at the age of 66. A brief statement, released by his family, said the author passed away after a battle with cancer. His most recent book, Next, was published by HC in 2006 and a mass market paperback edition was released last month. Among his other bestselling titles are State of Fear and Jurassic Park.

In addition to his best known works, which often saw the misuse of cutting edge science create doomsday scenarios, Crichton, between 1966 and 1972, wrote eight mysteries under the pseudonym John Lange. Hard Case Crime reprinted 1970’s Grave Descend in 2006, but was not allowed to mention Crichton’s name on the cover or in connection with its promotion.

A new, untitled novel from Crichton had been scheduled for a December 2008 release but was postponed early this fall. No word on whether the novel was completed.

Jonathan Burnham, president of HarperCollins, said everyone at the publisher is "profoundly saddened by the news" and that Crichton was not only a "unique talent" but also "collaborative, brilliant, full of ideas, and great company.”

A private funeral service for Crichton is expected, but no further details will be made public.

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