Erich von Däniken's first book, Chariots of the Gods, became a worldwide bestseller following its publication in 1968 and has been translated into thirty-two languages. It has since been followed by over two dozen additional books, including The Eyes of the Sphinx, Odyssey of the Gods, and The Gods Were Astronauts. Born and educated in Switzerland, Erich is an active researcher and explorer. His books have given rise to two full-length documentary films, Chariots of the Gods and Messages of the Gods, and he has delivered over 3,000 lectures in twenty-five countries. He lives in Beatenberg, Switzerland, with his wife.