Honoré De Balzac was a French novelist and playwright born on May 20, 1799, in Tours, France. He is best known for his series of novels and stories titled La Comédie Humaine, which presents a detailed panorama of French society in the early 19th century. Balzac's work explores themes of ambition, social class, and the complexities of human relationships. Balzac's writing style is characterized by its realism and intricate character development. He influenced many later writers, including Marcel Proust and Charles Dickens, and is considered a pioneer of modern literature. Balzac passed away on August 18, 1850, leaving behind a rich literary legacy.