W. R. Burnett was an American author and screenwriter, born on March 25, 1899, in Springfield, Illinois. He is best known for his crime novels, particularly "Little Caesar," published in 1929, which helped popularize the gangster genre in literature and film. His works often explored themes of crime, ambition, and the American Dream. In addition to his novels, Burnett wrote screenplays for several films, contributing to Hollywood's adaptation of his stories. His influence extended to classic movies, with adaptations of his works like "The Asphalt Jungle" and "Scarface." Burnett passed away on April 25, 1982, leaving a lasting legacy in American literature and cinema.