Stendhal (Henri-Marie Beyle) – 19th-century French novelist, author of The Red and the Black and The Charterhouse of Parma. Blending Romanticism and Realism, he pioneered the psychological novel. His style is marked by irony, sharp detail, and deep analysis of passion and ambition.
📖 Took the pen name “Stendhal” from the German town of Stendal. ⚔️ Served in Napoleon’s campaigns, travelling to Italy and Russia. ❤️ Loved Italy deeply, calling it his “second homeland.” 📚 His novels were little read in his lifetime; recognition came posthumously. 🖋️ Inspired the term “Stendhal syndrome” – being overwhelmed by art. 🎭 Also wrote biographies, such as Life of Rossini. 🌍 Influenced Dostoevsky, Proust, Tolstoy. 😲 Curious fact: left encrypted notes hidden in books and papers. 😄 Funny fact: joked he had “poor health but strong love for Italian women.”