An American novelist, in many ways ahead of his time, who has been writing since the 1960s.
His first novel, "The Origin of the Brunists," was about a religious cult that was waiting for the end of the world, which it expected to happen soon. He won the William Faulkner Award for the best first novel for that one.
Another book, "The Universal Baseball Association, J. Henry Waugh, Proprietor" ought to be read by anyone who spends time playing games alone. (Admit it: you've played against yourself in Risk! before, controlling two or three different-colored armies when you were by yourself and/or played as manager of both teams in Strat-O-Matic when you didn't have anyone else to play with.) Also should be of interest to anyone who creates games, or belongs to a rotisserie baseball league.
His novels and short stories often weave old mythologies and folklore (Pinocchio, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood) into new settings.