Erich von Däniken is arguably the most widely read and most-copied nonfiction author in the world. He published his first (and best-known) book, Chariots of the Gods, in 1968. His research organization, the A.A.S.R.A./legendarytimes.com, comprises laymen and academics from all walks of life. He lives in Switzerland but is an ever-present figure on the international lecture circuit, traveling more than 100,000 miles a year.