Germaine de Staël was a prominent French-Swiss writer and intellectual born in 1766. She is best known for her influential works on literature and politics during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. Her writings often explored themes of individualism and the role of women in society, making her a key figure in the development of Romanticism. De Staël's most famous works include Delphine and Corinne, which reflect her views on love, freedom, and the importance of national identity. She was also a notable salonnière, hosting gatherings that brought together leading thinkers and artists of her time, including Lord Byron and Benjamin Constant.