Maurice Leblanc 
Arsene Lupin 

Maurice Leblanc’s ‘Arsene Lupin’ is a classic French mystery novel that follows the exploits of the charming and cunning gentleman thief, Arsene Lupin. Written in a light-hearted and adventurous style, the novel is a captivating blend of humor, suspense, and clever plot twists, making it a beloved work of detective fiction. Set in early 20th century France, the narrative is rich in detail and offers a glimpse into the societal norms and class distinctions of the time. Maurice Leblanc, a prolific French author, drew inspiration for ‘Arsene Lupin’ from the popular detective stories of his era, adding his own unique spin with the introduction of the charismatic anti-hero. Leblanc’s keen sense of storytelling and inventive plot devices have solidified his place in the literary canon as a master of the mystery genre. I highly recommend ‘Arsene Lupin’ to readers who appreciate cleverly crafted mysteries with a touch of humor and sophistication. Maurice Leblanc’s creation of the enigmatic Arsene Lupin is sure to delight fans of detective fiction and intrigue them with his daring escapades and cunning schemes.

A propos de l’auteur

Maurice Leblanc (1864-1941) was a distinguished French writer best known for creating the character Arsène Lupin, a dashing gentleman thief who operates with wit and panache, often outsmarting his adversaries through intellectual dexterity rather than sheer force. Leblanc, who originally began a career in law before turning to writing, drew upon the influences of his time, notably the popular figure of Sherlock Holmes created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to develop a French counterpart that combined intrigue, adventure, and cleverness. His debut novel featuring Lupin, ‘Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Cambrioleur’ (1907), set the tone for a series that celebrated the anti-hero and captured the imaginations of readers worldwide. Leblanc’s contributions to the genre of crime fiction were characterized by a blend of humor, elegance, and complexity, elements that echoed his own literary style and the Belle Époque period from which his writings emanated. Throughout his prolific career, he produced numerous novels and short stories that centered on Arsène Lupin, several of which were adapted into films, television series, and stage plays, cementing the character’s place in the pantheon of iconic fictional detectives. Leblanc’s work on Lupin not only entertained but also reflected the socio-cultural mores of French society during the early twentieth century, making his writings a subject of interest both for lovers of literature and historians alike.