Writer Henry-Rene-Albert-Guy de Maupassant, often credited with being the originator of the commercial literary short story, was born on August 5, 1850 in France. He was schooled at a seminary in Yvetot and Le Harve. He fought in the Franco-German War, then held civil service posts with the Ministry of the Navy and the Ministry of Public Instruction. He also worked with Gustave Flaubert, who treated him like a son, helped him develop his writing talent, and introduced him to many literary greats. Maupassant wrote six novels, three travel books, a book of verse and over 300 short stories. He attempted to kill himself in 1892 and died in Paris on July 6, the following year.
