Maxim Gorky was a prominent Russian writer and political activist. He is known for his literary works that depict the struggles of the working class and the social injustices of his time. Gorky's writing often reflected his own experiences of poverty and hardship, and he became a leading figure in the socialist realist movement. His most famous works include "Mother" and "The Lower Depths." Gorky's influence on Russian literature and his contributions to the socialist movement have left a lasting impact on both literary and political spheres.