University of Utah English professor, specializing in Urban Legends. Chronicled the ubiquitous oral stories that people tell about a "friend of a friend" (or foaf). Dr. Brunvand's publications:
- The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends & Their Meanings (1981)
- The Choking Doberman & Other "New" Urban Legends (1984)
- The Mexican Pet: More "New" Urban Legends & Some Old Favorites (1986)
- Curses! Broiled Again!, the Hottest Urban Legends Going (1989)
- The Baby Train: And Other Lusty Urban Legends (1993)
The Study of American Folklore, 4th edn. 1998
- Too Good to be True: The Colossal Book of Urban Legends< (1999)
- The Truth Never Stands in the Way of a Good Story (2000)