Maurice Leblanc 
Lupin Collection 
The Adventures of Gentleman Thief (8 Novels & 20 Novellas in One Edition)

Maurice Leblanc’s ‘Lupin Collection’ is a captivating series of detective stories featuring the infamous gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. Set in late 19th and early 20th century France, the collection showcases Leblanc’s masterful storytelling and complex character development. Each story follows Lupin as he outwits the police and solves intricate puzzles, all while maintaining his suave demeanor and clever disguises. The collection’s blend of mystery, adventure, and humor makes it a timeless classic in the realm of detective fiction. Leblanc’s writing style is engaging and full of unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Maurice Leblanc was inspired to create the character of Arsène Lupin as a response to the popular detective stories of his time. Drawing on his own experiences and observations, Leblanc crafted a character who defies traditional notions of right and wrong, captivating readers with his charm and ingenuity. Leblanc’s background as a journalist and novelist provided him with the skills needed to create a compelling and enduring literary figure. I highly recommend ‘Lupin Collection’ to any reader who enjoys classic detective fiction with a touch of intrigue and adventure. Leblanc’s vivid descriptions and clever plot twists make this collection a must-read for fans of the genre.

A propos de l’auteur

Maurice Leblanc (1864–1941) was a renowned French novelist and writer of short stories, best known for creating the character Arsène Lupin, a master of disguise and a gentleman thief who became one of the most famous literary figures in the realm of detective fiction. Leblanc’s work stands at the intersection of crime, adventure, and mystery genres, reflecting social nuances and the wit of his era. He began his writing career as a journalist and went on to publish short stories and serials in various magazines. His introduction of Lupin in the story ‘L’Aventure d’Arsène Lupin’ in 1905 was a turning point that won him international acclaim. This character was further developed and immortalized in the ‘Lupin Collection, ‘ a series of novels and short stories that pit the charming and elusive Lupin against a variety of adversaries, including the detective Sherlock Holmes (albeit under a different name due to copyright disputes). Among his notable works featuring Lupin are ‘The Hollow Needle’ and ‘813.’ Leblanc’s knack for intricate plots, characterized by a blend of wit, romance, and thrilling escapades, earned him comparison to other literary greats, like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. His legacy in shaping the archetype of the anti-hero in literature continues to influence modern narratives in books, television, and film.