Joseph Jacobs, born March 12, 1959, was an American journalist, writer, author, film producer, columnist, playwright, editor, and screenwriter who passed away on July 5, 2016. His career spanned various publications and creative endeavors, including work for Salon, Los Angeles Review of Books, and Las Vegas Sun. Jacobs also contributed to the adult film industry as an award-winning screenwriter and trade journalist.

His literary contributions included essays on figures like Jack London, exploring themes of masculinity, and a collection of surrealist fiction titled Mr. Bukowski's Wild Ride. Jacobs also wrote and directed a live presentation commemorating the 50th anniversary of Jack Kerouac's 'On the Road.' His series 'The New Homeless,' detailing his experiences with homelessness, garnered significant attention and was adapted into a documentary. Jacobs also produced the documentary 'Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes.'

Joseph Jacobs delved into various literary themes throughout his career. He authored an essay titled 'Running with the Wolves: Jack London and the Cult of Masculinity,' and contributed a preface to an anthology of Jack London's work. His interest in literary figures extended to Charles Bukowski, for whom he released a collection of surrealist fiction, 'Mr. Bukowski's Wild Ride,' which was noted for capturing the essence of the author. Jacobs also explored the connections between Franz Kafka and the noir genre in an essay for Salon and the Los Angeles Review of Books.

A significant portion of Jacobs' journalistic output focused on social issues. His controversial series for the Las Vegas Sun, 'The New Homeless,' documented his and his girlfriend's experiences with homelessness in Las Vegas. This series received widespread commentary and was the subject of a three-part documentary. In the realm of film, Jacobs was a producer and screenwriter for the documentary 'Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes,' offering a look into the life of the adult film actor.

Jacobs also engaged with the performing arts. He co-wrote a play titled 'Go Irish: The Purgatory Diaries of Jason Miller,' inspired by the actor known for his role in 'The Exorcist.' The play premiered in 2007 and received critical acclaim for its examination of celebrity. Additionally, in 2007, Jacobs wrote and directed 'The Ragged Promised Land,' a live presentation in San Francisco that marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of Jack Kerouac's 'On the Road,' held at the Vesuvio Cafe and The Beat Museum.