Julio Cortázar was an Argentine writer born on August 26, 1914, in Brussels, Belgium. He is best known for his innovative narrative style and contributions to the literary movement known as the Latin American Boom. His works often blend reality with fantasy, challenging traditional storytelling techniques. Cortázar's most famous novel, Hopscotch (1963), allows readers to choose their own reading order, reflecting his experimental approach. He also wrote short stories, essays, and translations, influencing many writers. Cortázar passed away on February 12, 1984, in Paris, France, leaving a lasting legacy in world literature.