Jeff Douglas

Douglas Preston, born in 1956, is an American journalist and author. While widely recognized for his suspenseful thrillers co-authored with Lincoln Child, including the Agent Pendergast and Gideon Crew series, Preston has also penned several solo novels, such as those in the Wyman Ford series, and a novel adapted into a Disney film. His literary output extends to numerous nonfiction books focusing on science and exploration. Preston has a history of contributing articles to prominent publications like The New Yorker and Smithsonian magazine.

Preston's early career involved writing and editing at the American Museum of Natural History, where he managed publications and wrote for Natural History magazine. His first book, "Dinosaurs In The Attic," explored the museum's history. After moving to New Mexico, he embarked on extensive horseback journeys, retracing historical expeditions, which led to books like "Cities of Gold." He has participated in significant global expeditions, including exploring ancient sites in Cambodia and Egypt, and co-authored "The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story" about a discovery in Honduras, during which he contracted a tropical disease.

Douglas Preston is perhaps best known for his successful collaborations with Lincoln Child. Together, they created the popular Agent Pendergast series, featuring the FBI agent, and the Gideon Crew series. Their joint thrillers, such as "Relic," "Brimstone," and "The Cabinet of Curiosities," have captivated readers. In his solo career, Preston has explored different narrative territories. His novel "Jennie" centered on a chimpanzee adopted by a family, while "The Codex" presented a treasure hunt narrative. "Tyrannosaur Canyon" introduced the character Wyman Ford, an ex-CIA agent who becomes the protagonist in subsequent solo novels like "Blasphemy" and "Impact."

Preston's writing often draws from his extensive real-world explorations. His journey retracing Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's quest for the Seven Cities of Gold resulted in "Cities of Gold: A Journey Across the American Southwest." He has undertaken numerous long-distance horseback expeditions, earning induction into the Long Riders' Guild. Preston has also ventured into remote and historically significant locations, including Cambodian jungles and ancient Egyptian tombs. His participation in an expedition that led to the discovery of an ancient city in Honduras, detailed in "The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story," involved significant risks, including contracting a serious tropical disease.

Preston's work has also delved into controversial real-life mysteries. His book "The Monster of Florence," co-authored with Mario Spezi, investigated an Italian serial killer case and faced challenges with local authorities. He has also been a vocal critic of aspects of the Amanda Knox trial, expressing concerns about the prosecution's methods. Beyond his writing, Preston has been an advocate for authors' rights, initiating the "Authors United" campaign to address contract disputes between publishers and online retailers. He also served as President of the Authors Guild, where he has voiced opinions on issues affecting the literary community.