Ronald Verlin Cassill, known as R. V. Cassill, was an American writer, editor, and professor born on May 17, 1919, and passed away on March 25, 2002. He wrote novels, short stories, and essays during his career. Cassill wrote more than 30 novels, amongst them "Clem Anderson," "The President," and "Doctor Cobb's Game." His work was known for its variety in themes and genres, ranging from realism to science fiction. He was also recognized for editing "The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction," a widely-used literature textbook. As an educator, Cassill taught at several institutions, including the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa, where he was instrumental in shaping the program's strong reputation. His contributions to literature and education made him a significant figure in the American literary scene of the 20th century.