Charles Baudelaire was a French poet born on April 9, 1821, and is best known for his influential work, Les Fleurs du mal (The Flowers of Evil). His poetry explores themes of beauty, decadence, and the passage of time, often reflecting the complexities of urban life in 19th-century Paris. Baudelaire's style is marked by vivid imagery and innovative use of language. In addition to poetry, Baudelaire was a critic and translator, notably translating the works of Edgar Allan Poe into French. His contributions to literature helped pave the way for modernist movements, and he is often regarded as a precursor to Symbolism and Surrealism. Baudelaire passed away on August 31, 1867.