Biography

A foremost French writer of the Romantic era, Stendhal was born Marie-Henri Beyle in Grenoble, France in 1783. A loyal Bonapartist he followed Napoleon closely during his military campaigns Stendhal's novels reflect his intense love of Italy, his political convictions and the moral and philosophical dilemmas of his time. His most popular works Le Rouge et le Noir and La Chartreuse de Parme have been transfered to the screen several time and show an immediacy which transcends centuries.
- IMDb mini biography by: Laurence Dang <ldang@San-Jose.ate.slb.com>

Used 187 different pseudonyms during his life, of which "Stendhal" was to become the most recognizable to the public

Stendhal Syndrome is named after him. It is the phenomenon of people becoming overwhelmed by beautiful artwork. Stendhal commented on it in his writings on Florence.

If I am not clear, my whole universe crumbles into nothingness.

One can acquire everything in solitude - except character.

The idea most useful to tyrants is the idea of God.

All religions are founded on the fear of the many and the cleverness of the few.

God's only excuse is that he doesn't exist.