French novelist and short story writer (1864-1941): Maurice Leblanc was a French author best known for creating the iconic character Arsène Lupin.
The Gentleman Thief: Lupin, often dubbed the "French Sherlock Holmes," is a charming and cunning gentleman thief who steals from the rich and sometimes helps the innocent. Leblanc penned a vast collection of Lupin stories, including novels and short stories.
Legal Detour: Leblanc initially studied law but ditched it for a writing career.
Early Success: He started as a journalist before crafting the story that launched him to fame, introducing Arsène Lupin in 1905.
Lupin vs. Holmes (sort of): In one of his works, Leblanc included a character based on Sherlock Holmes, though due to copyright issues he had to rename him to Herlock Sholmès (later appearing as Holmlock Shears in some translations).
Beyond Lupin: While Lupin is his most famous creation, Leblanc also wrote other detective and adventure stories.
Lupin's Legacy: Leblanc's character continues to be popular, inspiring adaptations in film, television, and theater.