Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) was a German-born Swiss poet, novelist, and painter, widely regarded as one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. His works, which often explore themes of spirituality, individuality, and the search for meaning, have earned him numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946. Some of his most famous works include Siddhartha, Steppenwolf, and The Glass Bead Game.