This German-Swiss writer wrote "Siddhartha," "Steppenwolf," "Narziss und Goldmund," and "The Glass Bead Game." Who is he?

The author behind these profound explorations of spirituality and self-discovery is the Nobel Prize-winning German-Swiss writer, Hermann Hesse. His novels, including the spiritual quest of "Siddhartha" and the introspective "Steppenwolf," consistently delve into the duality of human nature and the individual's search for authenticity. Drawing heavily from his interests in Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as the psychoanalytic theories of Carl Jung, Hesse's work charts the often-difficult journey from societal expectation to inner enlightenment.

Though he began writing in the late 19th century, Hesse experienced a massive resurgence in popularity during the American counterculture movement of the 1960s, when a new generation of readers connected with his themes of pacifism and anti-materialism. His influence also reached the world of cinema, which connects him to this category. Notable film adaptations, such as the 1972 version of "Siddhartha" and the surreal 1974 film "Steppenwolf" starring Max von Sydow, attempted to capture the complex philosophical and psychological landscapes of his most famous books for the big screen.