Gustave Flaubert (Rouen, Haute-Normandie, December 12, 1821 - Croisset, Lower Normandy, May 8, 1880) was a French writer. He is considered one of the best Western novelists and is known for his first published novel, Madame Bovary, and for his scrupulous devotion to his art and style, the best example was his endless search for le mot juste ("the right word" ).