Richard James is a British inventor and entrepreneur best known for creating the popular children's toy known as the Slinky. He developed the Slinky in the early 1940s, and it quickly became a classic toy, celebrated for its simple yet captivating design that allows it to "walk" down stairs. In addition to the Slinky, Richard James was involved in various other inventions and business ventures. His work has had a lasting impact on the toy industry, and the Slinky remains a beloved item for generations of children and adults alike, often associated with creativity and playful engineering.