Jan Harold Brunvand is an American folklorist, professor emeritus at the University of Utah, and author widely known for his work on urban legends. Born on March 23, 1933, in Cadillac, Michigan, he has contributed significantly to the understanding and appreciation of urban legends as a genre of contemporary folklore. Brunvand is best known for his popular books, such as "The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends and Their Meanings," which brought the concept of urban legends to the general public. His research typically explores the nature of these stories, their origins, their significance within popular culture, and how they reflect the fears and anxieties of society. Brunvand's approachable writing style and comprehensive scholarship have established him as a leading figure in the study of urban legends.