Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) was a French novelist best known for his masterpiece 'Madame Bovary,' which is considered a pinnacle of realist fiction. He meticulously crafted his prose to achieve precision and stylistic perfection, earning him a reputation as a leading figure in 19th-century literature. His dedication to accuracy and detail in his writing set new standards for the novel as an art form. Flaubert's work has had a lasting impact on literature, influencing future generations of writers with his exploration of human complexities and societal conventions.