John Darnton is an American journalist, editor, and author born on November 20, 1941. He spent much of his career working for The New York Times and is well-known for his foreign correspondences, which earned him prestigious awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes. As a writer, he is known for blending his experiences as a journalist with elements of mystery, science fiction, and thriller genres in his novels. His notable works include "Neanderthal," a sci-fi thriller about the discovery of living Neanderthals, and "The Darwin Conspiracy," which explores the life and theories of Charles Darwin. Darnton's storytelling often incorporates elements of adventure, scientific exploration, and historical intrigue.