Dashiell Hammett was an American author and pioneer of hard-boiled detective fiction. Some synonyms that can be used to describe him include prolific writer, noir novelist, master of suspense, creator of Sam Spade, pioneer of crime fiction, creator of the femme fatale archetype, and a literary icon. Despite his relatively short career, Hammett's influence on the genre of crime and detective fiction is immeasurable, and his legacy has continued to inspire generations of writers since his passing in 1961. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential writers of the 20th century, and his name remains synonymous with the very best in mystery and crime fiction.