Richard D. (Richard Donald) Schafer

Born in 1918, Richard D. Schafer was an American mathematician whose full name appears in library records as Richard Donald Schafer. He is especially associated with research and writing in algebra, including the book An Introduction to Nonassociative Algebras, which has remained well known enough to be reissued and preserved in major digital collections.

Schafer joined the MIT mathematics faculty in 1959 and later became known there as an emeritus professor and former deputy head of the department. An MIT memorial notes that he died on December 28, 2014, at age 96.

Readers are most likely to encounter his name through his clear, foundational writing on nonassociative algebra. Even decades after first publication, his books are still used by people looking for a solid introduction to a demanding corner of higher mathematics.