Gaston Leroux (1868-1927) was a French journalist and author of detective fiction, whose works are revered in the annals of classic mystery literature. Leroux's journalistic career, which began at L'Echo de Paris and led him to cover an impressive array of significant events, including the Russian Revolution, undoubtedly shaped his intricate plotting and rich, descriptive narratives. His tumultuous experiences provided fertile ground for his fiction, where he combined the journalistic eye for detail with a boundless imagination. Leroux's enduring legacy rests on his two masterpieces: 'The Phantom of the Opera' ('Le Fantôme de l'Opéra', 1910), a gothic novel interweaving romance, horror, and tragedy in the bowels of the Paris Opera House, and 'The Mystery of the Yellow Room' ('Le mystère de la chambre jaune', 1907), heralded as one of the first locked-room mystery novels. The latter introduced the inquisitive and relentless reporter-detective Joseph Rouletabille, a character who would become a cornerstone of detective fiction. Leroux's literary style, which often blurred the lines between fantastical romance and suspenseful thriller, cemented him as a pivotal figure in the genres of mystery and gothic fiction. His works continue to be adapted into numerous films, plays, and musicals, most notably Andrew Lloyd Webber's grandiose musical adaptation of 'The Phantom of the Opera', ensuring that Leroux's tales of intrigue and passion remain beloved by generations.