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 was associated with the Surrealism and Cubism movements, influencing many artists and writers of his time. His most famous works include the poetry collections Alcools and Calligrammes, which showcase his unique style and experimentation with visual poetry. Apollinaire's life was marked by his involvement in the Parisian avant-garde scene, and he served in World War I, where he was wounded. He passed away on November 9, 1918.