Maurice Leblanc

Maurice Leblanc[2†]

Maurice Marie Émile Leblanc (1864-1941) was a renowned French author and journalist, best known for creating the fictional character Arsène Lupin[1†][2†]. Born on December 11, 1864, in Rouen, France, Leblanc had initially pursued law studies but later abandoned them to become a pulp fiction writer[1†][2†]. His first published work was “Une Femme” in 1887[1†][3†].

Leblanc’s most significant contribution to literature was the creation of Arsène Lupin, a French gentleman-thief turned detective[1†][2†]. The character of Lupin was introduced in a series of short stories serialized in the magazine “Je sais tout,” starting in 1905[1†][2†]. The character was an immediate success, leading Leblanc to dedicate the rest of his career to writing Lupin novels and short stories[1†][2†].

Leblanc’s work has had a profound influence on detective fiction, with Arsène Lupin often described as the French counterpart to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes[1†][2†]. His stories have been adapted into numerous movies and television series, further cementing the popularity of the character[1†].

In addition to his work on Lupin, Leblanc also wrote two notable science fiction novels: “Les Trois Yeux” (1919), featuring televisual contact with three-eyed Venusians, and “Le Formidable Evènement” (1920), which explores the aftermath of an earthquake creating a new landmass between England and France[1†][2†].

Leblanc was awarded the French Legion of Honour for his services to literature[1†][2†]. He passed away on November 6, 1941, in Perpignan, France[1†][2†].

Early Years and Education

Maurice Marie Émile Leblanc was born on December 11, 1864, in Rouen, France[2†][1†]. He was the second child of Émile Leblanc, a 34-year-old ship-owner merchant, and Mathilde Blanche (née Brohy), the daughter of wealthy dyers[2†]. He had an elder sister Jehanne (born in 1863) and a younger sister Georgette Leblanc (born in 1869), who became a famous actor and star operatic soprano[2†].

During the Franco-German War of 1870, his father sent Maurice to Scotland[2†]. After returning to France, he received his early education at the Lycée Pierre Corneille in Rouen[2†][4†]. Initially, Leblanc pursued law studies but later abandoned them to become a pulp fiction writer[2†][1†][2†]. His first published work was “Une Femme” in 1887[2†][3†].

Leblanc’s early experiences and education played a significant role in shaping his career as a writer. His exposure to different cultures during his time in Scotland, combined with his academic background in law, provided him with a unique perspective that he would later incorporate into his works[2†][1†].

Career Development and Achievements

Maurice Leblanc’s career as a writer began when he abandoned his law studies to become a pulp fiction writer[1†][2†]. His first published work was “Une Femme” in 1887[1†][3†]. However, it was in 1905 that Leblanc’s career took a significant turn. He was commissioned to write a crime story for the French periodical “Je sais tout,” leading to the creation of “L’Arrestation d’Arsène Lupin” (“The Arrest of Arsène Lupin”)[1†]. The character of Arsène Lupin, a French gentleman-thief turned detective, was an immediate success[1†][2†].

Leblanc’s first collection of short stories featuring Lupin was published in 1907[1†]. Lupin ultimately appeared in more than 60 of Leblanc’s crime novels and short stories[1†]. Many of Leblanc’s stories were adapted as movies and television series, further cementing the popularity of the character[1†].

Leblanc also wrote two notable science fiction novels: “Les Trois Yeux” (1919), in which a scientist makes televisual contact with three-eyed Venusians, and “Le Formidable Evènement” (1920), in which an earthquake creates a new landmass between England and France[1†][2†].

Despite the success of Lupin, Leblanc attempted to create other characters, such as private eye Jim Barnett, but he eventually merged them with Lupin[1†][2†]. He continued to pen Lupin tales well into the 1930s[1†][2†].

For his services to literature, Leblanc was awarded the French Legion of Honour[1†][2†]. His works, particularly those featuring Arsène Lupin, have had a profound influence on detective fiction, often described as a French counterpart to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes[2†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Maurice Leblanc’s literary career took off with the creation of the character Arsène Lupin. The first story featuring Lupin, “L’Arrestation d’Arsène Lupin” (“The Arrest of Arsène Lupin”), was serialized in the magazine Je sais tout, starting in July 1905[2†]. The success of this story led to the publication of his first collection of short stories featuring Lupin in 1907[2†].

Here are some of Leblanc’s main works along with their first year of publication:

• “The Arrest of Arsene Lupin” (1905)[2†][5†]
• “Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief” (1907)[2†][5†]
• “Arsène Lupin versus Herlock Sholmes” (1908)[2†][5†]
• “The Exploits of Arsene Lupin” (1909)[2†][5†]
• “813 / Les Trois Crimes d’Arsène Lupin” (1910)[2†][5†]
• “The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar / The Exploits of Arsène Lupin” (1910)[2†][5†]
• “The Hollow Needle” (1911)[2†][5†]
• “The Crystal Stopper” (1912)[2†][5†]
• “The Confessions of Arsène Lupin” (1913)[2†][5†]
• “The Return of Arsène Lupin” (1917)[2†][5†]
• “The Golden Triangle” (1918)[2†][5†]
• “The Teeth of the Tiger” (1920)[2†][5†]
• “The Secret of Sarek” (1920)[2†][5†]
• “The Island of the Thirty Coffins” (1920)[2†][5†]
• “The Eight Strokes of the Clock” (1923)[2†][5†]

Leblanc also wrote two notable science fiction novels: “Les Trois Yeux” (1919), in which a scientist makes televisual contact with three-eyed Venusians, and “Le Formidable Evènement” (1920), about an earthquake creating a new landmass between England and France[2†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Maurice Leblanc’s work, particularly his creation of the character Arsène Lupin, has had a significant impact on literature. Lupin, often described as the French counterpart to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes[2†], is a gentleman-thief turned detective, a character type that has since become a staple in detective fiction[2†][1†][2†].

Leblanc’s stories were not only popular during his lifetime but have also had a lasting legacy. Many of his stories have been adapted into movies and television series, starring notable actors such as John Barrymore, Romain Duris, and Omar Sy[2†][1†]. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of his work and its influence on popular culture[2†][1†].

Like Conan Doyle, Leblanc seemed to have a complicated relationship with his most famous creation. Despite the success of the Lupin stories, Leblanc attempted to create other characters, such as private eye Jim Barnett, but eventually merged them with Lupin[2†]. This suggests that, while Leblanc may have aspired to diversify his literary contributions, the popularity and demand for Lupin were too great to ignore[2†].

Leblanc’s work extended beyond detective fiction. He also wrote two notable science fiction novels: “Les Trois Yeux” (1919), in which a scientist makes televisual contact with three-eyed Venusians, and “Le Formidable Evènement” (1920), about an earthquake creating a new landmass between England and France[2†][1†][2†]. These works illustrate Leblanc’s versatility as a writer and his ability to explore different genres[2†][1†][2†].

For his contributions to literature, Leblanc was awarded the French Legion of Honour[2†][1†][2†]. This prestigious award underscores the significance of his work and its impact on French literature[1†].

Personal Life

Maurice Leblanc was born into a wealthy family[2†]. His father, Émile Leblanc, was a ship-owner merchant, and his mother, Mathilde Blanche (née Brohy), was the daughter of rich dyers[2†]. He had an elder sister named Jehanne (born in 1863) and a younger sister named Georgette Leblanc (born in 1869), who became an actor and star operatic soprano from 1883 until the 1920s[2†].

During the Franco-German War of 1870, when Maurice was six years old, his father sent him to Scotland[2†]. This experience may have influenced his later life and work.

Leblanc was married twice. His first wife was Marie-Ernestine Flannel, whom he married in 1889 and divorced in 1895[2†]. They had a daughter together, Louise Amélie Marie Leblanc (1889–1974)[2†]. After his divorce, Leblanc married Marguerite Wormser[2†].

Leblanc passed away in Perpignan in 1941[2†]. He was initially buried in the Saint-Martin cemetery in Perpignan, but his remains were later moved to the Montparnasse Cemetery in 1947[2†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Maurice Leblanc’s legacy is primarily tied to his creation of the character Arsène Lupin, a gentleman-thief turned detective[2†][1†]. Lupin, often described as the French counterpart to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes[2†], appeared in more than 60 of Leblanc’s crime novels and short stories[2†][1†]. The character’s popularity was so immense that Leblanc, much like Conan Doyle with Sherlock Holmes, dedicated the rest of his career to the Lupin stories[2†].

Leblanc’s work has had a significant influence on subsequent writers and creators. For instance, his work inspired Gaston Leroux (creator of Rouletabille) and Souvestre and Allain (creators of Fantômas)[2†]. Many of Leblanc’s stories have been adapted into movies and television series, further cementing the enduring appeal of the Arsène Lupin character[2†][1†].

In recognition of his contributions to literature, Leblanc was awarded the Légion d’Honneur[2†][1†]. Today, the “Association des Amis d’Arsène Lupin” (Association of Friends of Arsène Lupin) exists to celebrate Leblanc’s work and the character of Arsène Lupin[2†]. Its members, known as “lupinophiles”, are testament to the enduring popularity of Leblanc’s gentleman-thief[2†].

Leblanc passed away in 1941, but his legacy lives on through his works and the continued popularity of Arsène Lupin[2†][1†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Maurice-Marie-Émile Leblanc[1†]
• Born: December 11, 1864, Rouen, France[1†][2†]
• Died: November 6, 1941, Paris, France (aged 76)[1†][2†]
• Nationality: French[1†][2†]
• Occupation: Novelist and writer of short stories[1†][2†]
• Notable Works: Arsène Lupin series[1†][2†]
• Notable Achievements: Awarded the French Legion of Honour for his services to literature[1†][2†]

References and Citations:

1. Britannica - Maurice Leblanc: French author [website] - link
2. Wikipedia (English) - Maurice Leblanc [website] - link
3. IMDb - Maurice Leblanc - Biography [website] - link
4. Read & Co. Books - Maurice Leblanc Biography [website] - link
5. Book Series In Order - Maurice Leblanc [website] - link