Guy de Maupassant was a French writer known for his realistic short stories and novels. Born in 1850, he is considered one of the masters of the genre. Among his most famous works are "Bel Ami," "Boule de Suif," and "The Necklace." Maupassant explored themes such as the decay of French society, conflicts between social classes, and human psychology. His style was characterized by its descriptive precision and his ability to capture human nature in all its complexities.