Henri René Albert Guy de Maupassant was a French writer known for his short stories and novels. He was born on August 5, 1850, and is considered one of the greatest masters of the short story genre. His works often depicted the lives of ordinary people in 19th-century France, and he was known for his keen observations of human behavior and society. Some of his most famous works include "Bel-Ami" and "The Necklace." Maupassant's writing style is characterized by its clarity, economy, and psychological insight. He died on July 6, 1893, leaving behind a significant literary legacy.