Jay Anson was a notable American author, born in New York on November 4, 1921, and passed away in Palo Alto on March 12, 1980. Anson's journey into the world of writing began as a copy boy on the New York Evening Journal in 1937. His career spanned various fields including advertising and publicity, but he is best remembered for his significant contributions to literature.

Anson's most famous work, The Amityville Horror, published in September 1977, took the literary world by storm. The novel, based on the alleged paranormal experiences of the Lutz family, became the cornerstone of a series of films released from 1979 onward. Despite the controversy and lawsuits challenging its truthfulness, the book remains a landmark in horror literature. Following the success of The Amityville Horror, Anson penned another novel, 666, which also explored the theme of a haunted house.

With more than 500 documentary scripts for television to his credit, Anson's legacy extends beyond his novels. He was associated with Professional Films, Inc., and his work in the realm of documentary scripting is highly regarded. Jay Anson's contributions to the horror genre and his unique storytelling ability have left an indelible mark on American literature.