Jean Baptiste Racine was a French dramatist and playwright who lived from 1639 to 1699. He is known for his tragedies, which are considered some of the greatest works of French literature. Racine's plays, such as "Phèdre" and "Andromaque," are characterized by their intense emotional depth, complex characters, and poetic language. His works have had a lasting impact on French literature and theater, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of French drama.