Stendhal, the pseudonym for Marie-Henri Beyle, was a prominent figure of 19th-century French literature. Born on January 23, 1783, in Grenoble, France, his early experiences in the Napoleonic wars fostered a deep disillusionment with society that permeated much of his literary work. Stendhal was a master of psychological realism and sharp irony, which distinguished his narrative style amidst the literary movements of his time. Renowned for his novels 'The Red and the Black' and 'The Charterhouse of Parma,' Stendhal delved into the depths of his characters' psyches, exploring the complex relationships between individuals and their societal constraints. However, it is in 'On Love' ('De l'Amour,' 1822) that Stendhal shines a light on the intricacies of romantic passion, presenting theories such as 'crystallization' that capture the transformative process of falling in love. His writing influenced literary giants like Balzac, Tolstoy, and Proust, and continues to be celebrated for its incisive analysis of human emotion and the socio-political underpinnings of personal experience. Stendhal's contribution to literary realism and the psychological novel has cemented his legacy as a pioneering author whose works remain enduringly relevant. He died on March 23, 1842, in Paris, but left behind a body of work that still garners critical acclaim and scholarly interest.