McBain, Ed (1926-2005), was the pen name of Evan Hunter, a leading American writer of detective fiction. He became best known for his series of 55 novels about the 87th Precinct in a large American city. Each novel features members of the precinct police squad as the heroes. The series began with Cop Hater (1956) and is noted for its realism, sense of humor, and rich variety. Another series of mystery novels features a Florida lawyer named Matthew Hope. The series began with Goldilocks (1978).
McBain was born in New York City on Oct. 15, 1926. His given and family name was Salvatore Lombino. In 1952, he legally changed his name to Evan Hunter. Among his best-known works under this name are the novels The Blackboard Jungle (1954) and Last Summer (1968). As Hunter, he also wrote the screenplay for the Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds (1963). His other pen names included Curt Cannon, Hunt Collins, and Richard Marsten. He died on July 6, 2005.
