Shirley Jackson (December 14, 1916 – August 8, 1965) was an American writer known for her contributions to the genres of horror, mystery, and psychological fiction. Her works often explore the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of domestic life. 

Shirley Hardie Jackson was born in San Francisco, California. She spent much of her childhood in Burlingame, California, and later moved to Rochester, New York. Her parents were Leslie Jackson, a businessman, and Geraldine Jackson. Shirley showed an early interest in writing and attended the University of Rochester.

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In 1937, Shirley Jackson met Stanley Edgar Hyman, a literary critic and professor, while studying at Syracuse University. They married in 1940, and Jackson eventually settled into life as a faculty wife with Hyman, who taught at Bennington College. The couple had four children: Laurence, Joanne, Sarah, and Barry.

Shirley Jackson began her writing career with the publication of short stories in various magazines during the 1940s. Her debut novel, “The Road Through the Wall,” was published in 1948. However, it was her short story “The Lottery,” published in The New Yorker in 1948, that brought her widespread recognition. “The Lottery” is a chilling tale that explores the dark side of conformity and the violence that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary communities.

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Jackson’s most famous novel, “The Haunting of Hill House,” was published in 1959. It is a classic work of horror fiction that has been adapted into various films and television series. The novel explores the psychological effects of a haunted house on its inhabitants.

Her other notable works include “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” (1962), a novel about two sisters living in isolation, and “The Sundial” (1958), a novel that combines elements of satire and the supernatural.

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Shirley Jackson struggled with her health throughout her life. She battled obesity, smoking-related illnesses, and anxiety. Despite her challenges, she continued to write prolifically and contributed essays and short stories to various publications.

Shirley Jackson passed away on August 8, 1965, at the age of 48, due to arteriosclerosis, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Her premature death was a loss to the literary world, but her works continue to be influential and are studied in literature courses around the world.

Shirley Jackson is remembered as a master of horror and psychological fiction. Her exploration of the darker aspects of human behavior, combined with her keen understanding of societal norms, has earned her a lasting place in the realm of American literature. Her influence can be seen in the works of subsequent writers in the horror genre.