The Swiss writer Erich Von DŠniken, b. Apr. 14, 1935, has attracted immense interest from the public with his highly controversial
theory that extraterrestrial visitors communicated their knowledge to primitive human beings in
ancient times, enabling the latter to evolve into civilized humanity. Von DŠniken travels and lectures widely, and his booksÑChariots of the Gods? (1968; Eng. trans., 1970), Gods from Outer Space (1971), The Gold of the Gods (1973); Miracles of the Gods (1975); In Search of Ancient Gods (1976), Signs of the Gods (1980), and Pathways to the Gods (1987) have sold millions of copies worldwide. Scientists discount the evidence presented in his books and dismiss his claims.