Wilhelm Busch was a German poet, painter, and cartoonist, born on April 15, 1832, in Wiedensahl, Germany. He is best known for his humorous illustrated stories, which often featured moral lessons. His most famous work, Max und Moritz, tells the tale of two mischievous boys and is considered a precursor to modern comic strips. Busch's style combined witty verse with detailed illustrations, making his work accessible and entertaining. He influenced later artists and writers, including Heinrich Zille and George Grosz. Busch passed away on January 9, 1908, but his legacy continues to impact the world of humor and illustration.