The Marquis de Sade, born Donatien Alphonse François in 1740, was a French writer known for his controversial works that explored themes of sexuality, freedom, and morality. His writings often depicted explicit sexual content and challenged societal norms, leading to his imprisonment and exile. Sade's most famous works include Justine and 120 Days of Sodom. Sade's life was marked by scandal and legal troubles, as he was imprisoned multiple times for his libertine lifestyle and writings. Despite this, he has been recognized as a significant figure in literature and philosophy, influencing later thinkers and movements, including existentialism and feminism.