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. The worldwide bestseller was followed by 40 more books, including the recent bestsellers The Gods Never Left Us, Eyewitness to the Gods, Twilight of the Gods, History Is Wrong, Evidence of the Gods, Remnants of the Gods, and Odyssey of the Gods. His works have been translated into 28 languages and have sold more than 65 million copies. Several have also been made into films.

Von Däniken's ideas have been the inspiration for a wide range of television series, including the History channel's hit Ancient Aliens. His research organization, the A.A.S.R.A./legendarytimes.com (Archaeology, Astronautics & SETI Research Association), comprises laymen and academics from all walks of life. Internationally, there are about 10,000. members. He lives in Switzerland but is an ever-present figure on the international lecture circuit, traveling more than 100,000 miles a year.