Richard Preston, born on August 5, 1954, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a renowned writer for The New Yorker and bestselling author. His compelling works, often based on extensive research and interviews, span infectious diseases, bioterrorism, redwoods, and more, including both nonfiction and fiction narratives. Preston's literary journey began in his childhood in Wellesley, a Boston suburb, where he was a shy, book-loving kid who dreamt of being a starship colonist. His passion for books opened doors to worlds rich with wonders, leading him to explore a wide array of literature from Mark Twain to Japanese haiku poetry.

Despite challenges in his educational path, including an almost expulsion from high school, Preston caught fire intellectually at Pomona College, graduating summa cum laude. He further honed his writing skills at Princeton University, where he earned a Ph.D. in English. Under the mentorship of John McPhee, Preston embraced the idea that nonfiction writing could be considered literature. His debut book, First Light, is a narrative nonfiction work about astronomy, regarded as a cult classic in the science community.

Preston's accolades include the American Institute of Physics science-writing award, the National Magazine Award, and the unique honor of being the only non-physician to receive the Centers for Disease Control's Champion of Prevention Award. An asteroid, 3792 Preston, named after him, orbits near Mars, signifying his impact beyond the literary world.

Today, he resides in New Jersey, enjoying life with his wife, Michelle Parham Preston, and their three children, all of whom are engaged in writing and publishing. His enduring legacy is marked by a career that reveals the hidden worlds of nature and wonder through his writing, published in over 35 languages globally.