Marie-Henri Beyle, known by his pen name Stendhal, was a prominent figure in 19th-century French literature. Born on January 23, 1783, in Grenoble, France, Stendhal was a writer of acute psychological insight and a master of realism and irony. His works often explore the complexities of the human psyche and the society of his time. Arguably, Stendhal's most renowned novels are 'The Red and the Black' (1830) and 'The Charterhouse of Parma' (1839), both of which offer incisive critiques of French society and the effects of the Napoleonic era on European culture. Although the 'Beach Books - Ultimate Collection' is not one of his notable contributions, his authorship is marked by profound character studies and the revolutionary technique of free indirect speech, which greatly influenced later novelists. Stendhal's narrative style weaves a rich tapestry of elaborate emotional depth, juxtaposing romance with a biting comment on the burgeoning bourgeoisie. His literary work went underappreciated during his lifetime, but posthumously, Stendhal has been credited with impacting literary giants such as Tolstoy, Proust, and Hemingway. He died on March 23, 1842, in Paris, and has since been recognized as one of the precursors to literary realism and a key figure in the Romantic movement. Stendhal's oeuvre continues to be celebrated for its pioneering characterization and its sharp, often satiric portrayal of society.