Guillaume Apollinaire was a French poet, playwright, and art critic born on August 26, 1880, in Rome, Italy. He is best known for his innovative use of language and form, particularly in his poetry. Apollinaire played a significant role in the development of modern poetry and is often associated with the Surrealism and Cubism movements. His most famous works include the poetry collections Alcools and Calligrammes, which showcase his unique style and experimentation with visual poetry. Apollinaire's influence extended beyond literature, impacting various art forms and inspiring many artists and writers of the 20th century. He passed away on November 9, 1918, in Paris, France.