Hermann Hesse (1877–1962) was a German-Swiss author, poet, and painter best known for his philosophical novels exploring themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and individuality. His most famous works include Siddhartha (1922), Steppenwolf (1927), and The Glass Bead Game (1943), which earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946. Deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy, psychoanalysis, and his own life experiences, Hesse’s writing resonated with readers seeking meaning and inner peace, particularly during the 20th century’s social upheavals.