Isaac Babel was a Russian writer born on July 13, 1894, in Odessa, which is now part of Ukraine. He is best known for his short stories that capture the lives of Jewish people in the early 20th century and the experiences of soldiers during the Russian Civil War. His most famous work, "Red Cavalry," reflects his experiences as a war correspondent. Babel's writing style is characterized by its vivid imagery and emotional depth. He faced political persecution during the Stalin era and was arrested in 1939. Tragically, he was executed in 1940, but his literary legacy continues to influence writers and readers today.