1880 - 1946
Damon Runyon was an American newspaper columnist and short story writer, renowned for his colorful portrayals of the New York City underworld during the early 20th century. His work often featured vivid characters and a unique, whimsical style, contributing to the development of the genre of American vernacular fiction. Runyon is best known for his stories that inspired the Broadway musical "Guys and Dolls."