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