Henri Beyle, better known by his pen name Stendhal, was a French writer born on January 23, 1783, in Grenoble, France. He is best known for his novels, particularly The Red and the Black and The Charterhouse of Parma, which explore themes of love, ambition, and social class. Stendhal's writing style is characterized by its psychological depth and keen observations of human behavior. Stendhal was also a prominent critic of art and literature, contributing to the understanding of romanticism in the 19th century. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, which influenced his works and perspectives. Stendhal passed away on March 23, 1842, in Paris, leaving a lasting impact on literature.