Peter Benchley was an American author and screenwriter, best known for his novel Jaws, published in 1974. The book, which tells the story of a great white shark terrorizing a beach town, became a bestseller and was later adapted into a highly successful film directed by Steven Spielberg. Benchley's work significantly influenced the thriller genre and popular culture. In addition to Jaws, Benchley wrote several other novels, including The Deep and Beast, many of which also explored themes of adventure and the ocean. He was also involved in environmental advocacy, particularly concerning ocean conservation, reflecting his passion for marine life.