Aron Hector Schmitz (1861–1928), better known by the pseudonym Italo Svevo, was an Italian writer, businessman, novelist, playwright, and short story writer. Though only recognised for his literary achievements towards the end of his life, Svevo is celebrated as one of Italy's finest writers and, along with Luigi Pirandello, is considered a prominent figure of early 20th century Italian literature. He is seen as a pioneer of the psychological novel in Italy and is best known for his classic modernist novel La coscienza di Zeno (1923).