What legacy did Michael Crichton leave behind?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the legacy of Michael Crichton following his death, exploring his contributions to literature, television, and science fiction. Participants reflect on his works, their personal experiences with them, and the impact he had on the genre and society.

Discussion Character

  • Meta-discussion
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express sadness over Crichton's unexpected death, noting he was relatively young at 66.
  • There are mixed opinions on his works; while one participant criticizes "Timeline," another praises "Sphere" as good.
  • Several participants reflect on how Crichton's writing, particularly "The Andromeda Strain," influenced their interest in science and physics.
  • One participant mentions Crichton's last book "Next," speculating on whether his health issues influenced its content.
  • Participants acknowledge Crichton's significant contributions to science fiction and television, with some suggesting that his work may gain more appreciation over time.
  • There is a shared sentiment of loss among participants, with references to other notable authors who have recently passed away, indicating a broader concern for the future of the genre.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the impact of Crichton's work and express sadness over his death, but there are differing opinions on the quality of specific books. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall assessment of his legacy.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal experiences with Crichton's works, which may not reflect a consensus on their literary value. The discussion includes subjective opinions and emotional responses rather than objective evaluations.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the legacy of science fiction authors, the impact of literature on scientific interest, and discussions about notable figures in the genre may find this thread engaging.

Astronuc
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'Jurassic Park' author, 'ER' creator Crichton dies :frown:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/books/11/05/obit.crichton/index.html
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Michael Crichton, who helped create the TV show "ER" and wrote the best-sellers "Jurassic Park," "The Andromeda Strain," "Sphere" and "Rising Sun," has died in Los Angeles, his public relations firm said in a news release.

Crichton died unexpectedly Tuesday "after a courageous and private battle against cancer," the release said.

He was 66.

Crichton, a medical doctor, was attracted to cautionary science tales.

. . . .
The Andromeda Strain was the first Crichton book I read as a kid.
 
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that's a bummer, he wasn't even old, yet
 
His book Timeline sucked, but in it he talks about the two slit experiment. I got interested in that so I went online and looked up physics and found physics forums. So if you want to blame anyone blame him.
 
"Sphere" was good
 
WHAT? no...thats a huge bummer for Sci Fi, etc.
 
binzing said:
WHAT? no...thats a huge bummer for Sci Fi, etc.

Yea, Arthur C. Clarke, and Kurt Vonnegut went recently.
 
I know...just hoping Bradbury doesn't go next...
 
Damn... That's too bad.

I read his last book Next about genetic engineering and gene therapy. I wonder if he researched all the material in the book due to his own health problems.
 
  • #10
Very interesting criticism of Environmentalism.

 
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  • #11
I just got home from my pool match, put on the CTV news, and the first thing that came on was the notification of his death. I can't say that he was a great man, or otherwise praise something that I know nothing about, but he was a great writer. As with Astro, I read 'The Andromeda Strain' when I was still a child. I think that it came out about the same time as 'Binary' and 'Zero Cool', which I also have... but the intelligence and scientific believability behind his stories set him apart. He will be missed.
 
  • #12
That's very sad. A truly great mind not only for SF or ER. Much of his work will only be appreciated in a decade or two.
 
  • #13
I enjoyed his work very much. Sad to hear that he passed. Funny, I had no idea that he was a medical doctor.