Dashiell Hammett was an American author known for his influential detective novels in the early 20th century. He created iconic characters like Sam Spade in "The Maltese Falcon" and Nick and Nora Charles in "The Thin Man." His writing style is characterized by sharp dialogue and a gritty realism that helped shape the modern detective genre. Born in 1894, Hammett worked as a private investigator before becoming a writer, which gave him unique insights into crime and human behavior. His works often reflect the complexities of morality and justice, making him a key figure in the hard-boiled fiction movement.