Twilight of the Gods: The Mayan Calendar and the Return of the Extraterrestrials »

Erich von Daniken is arguably the most widely read and most-copied nonfiction author in the world. He published his first (and most well-known) book, Chariots of the Gods, in 1968. It was a worldwide best-seller and has been followed by 31 more books including the recent hit History Is Wrong (New Page Books). His works have been translated into 28 different languages and have sold a total of 63 million copies. Several of his books have also been turned into films, and Erich's ideas have been the inspiration for a wide range of TV series, including the History Channel's smash hit special, "Ancient Aliens." He is an ever-present figure on the international lecture circuit. He lives in Switzerland.

High up in the Bolivian Andes-4,000 meters above sea level-lies Puma punku, an ancient ruined city that simply could never have been constructed by its Stone Age inhabitants."Something here really stinks to high heaven," writes Erich von Daniken.

"In Twilight of the Gods," says von Daniken, "I document precisely what it was that left the first visitors breathless as they stood before the mighty stone blocks some 400 years ago. I will show you what archeologists discovered hundreds of years ago and demonstrate how much has been destroyed over the centuries. Intentionally.

"I will also prove that Puma punku was not built by any Stone Age people.

"And in December 2012, the gods will return from their long journey and appear again here on Earth. At least that is what the Mayan calendar would have us believe.

"The so-called gods--the extraterrestrials--will come again. We're headed for a 'god shock' of major proportions.

"But doesn't anyone with half a brain know that interstellar travel is simply impossible because of the sheer distances involved? And that extraterrestrials would never look like us?

"Well, dear readers, I destroy these preconceptions. Systematically. One bit at a time."

In his own inimitable way, Erich von Daniken picks these preconceptions and prejudices apart with a clarity no other author could manage.