Douglas Preston
Full Name and Common Aliases
#### Douglas James Preston
Douglas James Preston is an American author, journalist, and science writer. He is often referred to as Doug Preston in informal settings.
Birth and Death Dates
#### Born: May 20, 1956 (age 67)
There is no publicly available information on his death date.
Nationality and Profession(s)
#### American Author, Journalist, Science Writer
Douglas Preston's work spans multiple genres, including mystery, thriller, science, and non-fiction. He has written extensively for various publications and has authored numerous books.
Early Life and Background
#### Childhood in Kansas
Born on May 20, 1956, in Washington D.C., Douglas Preston spent part of his childhood in Kansas. His family moved frequently during his early years due to his father's job as a foreign service officer. This experience instilled in him a sense of adventure and an appreciation for diverse cultures.
#### Education
Preston attended Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology. He later received a Master's degree in Latin American Studies from New York University.
Major Accomplishments
#### Writing Career
Douglas Preston began his writing career as a science writer and journalist. His first book, _Cities of Gold_, was published in 1987. Since then, he has written over 30 books, including novels, non-fiction works, and collaborations with co-authors.
Notable Works or Actions
#### Novel Writing
Some of Preston's notable novels include:
The Codex: A thriller series that explores the intersection of science and mystery.
The Royal Wager: A historical novel set in 18th-century England.
Impact: A science fiction novel about a group of people who travel back in time.
#### Non-Fiction Works
Preston has also written several non-fiction books, including:
Dinosaurs in the Attic: A history of the American Museum of Natural History's dinosaur discoveries.
* Tyrannosaurus Rex: The Ultimate Guide: A comprehensive guide to one of the most iconic dinosaurs.
Impact and Legacy
#### Contributions to Science Writing
Douglas Preston has made significant contributions to science writing, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. His work has helped bridge the gap between scientists and non-experts, fostering greater understanding and interest in various scientific fields.
#### Collaboration with Lincoln Child
In addition to his solo works, Preston has collaborated with fellow author Lincoln Child on several novels, including _Relic_ and _The Ice Limit_. This partnership has led to some of their most critically acclaimed and commercially successful books.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
#### Prolific Output and Versatility
Douglas Preston is widely quoted or remembered for his impressive output as a writer. His versatility in tackling various genres, from mystery and thriller to science and non-fiction, has earned him a reputation as a masterful storyteller.
Quotes by Douglas Preston
Anyway, these conclusions came from people who had never spent any time with chimpanzees. You can’t tell anything from a two-hour videotape. I spent five years with five chimpanzees. There are so many modes of communication between human and chimp that can’t be quantified. Body language. Vehemence and speed of gesture, facial expression. You had to be there with Jennie to understand the depth of communication. With our enemies out there, and a Senator against us, we got hammered.
At the rear of the courtyard, several chairs had been placed beneath a vined trellis, and it was here Pickett at last spied Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast. He was wearing a white linen suit similar to the one Pickett recalled from their meeting a fortnight or so earlier at a rooftop bar in Miami Beach. One leg was flung over the other, and beautifully made loafers of buttery leather were on his feet.
The tree crowns were packed together like puffballs, displaying every possible hue, tint, and shade of green. Chartreuse, emerald, lime, aquamarine, teal, bottle, glaucous, asparagus, olive, celadon, jade, malachite – mere words are inadequate to express the chromatic infinities.
Lines from an old film came back to him unbidden: That I should want you at all suddenly strikes me as the height of improbability. You’re an improbable person, and so am I.
A 90 percent mortality rate is high enough: It does not just kill people; it annihilates societies; it destroys languages, religions, histories, and cultures. It chokes off the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next.
I need to write in a small room – the smaller the better. I can’t write in a big room where someone might sneak up behind my back.
My idle curiosity might lead to something more official, if the lieutenant feels his work is being hindered by an officious, small-minded, self-important bureaucrat. Not you, of course. I speak in general terms only.
