Maurice Leblanc (1864–1941) is a towering figure in the field of detective fiction, celebrated primarily for the creation of the character Arsène Lupin, the 'gentleman burglar.' Born in Rouen, France, Leblanc originally pursued a law degree before turning to writing, initially focusing on poetry and short stories. It was the publishing of 'Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Cambrioleur' in 1907, however, that solidified his place in literary history. His satirical and amusing approach to Lupin pitted against the über rational detective, evokes comparisons to Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, who appears thinly veiled as 'Herlock Sholmes' in Leblanc's 'Arsène Lupin vs. Herlock Sholmes', a playful spoof that emerged from his playful literary sparring with Conan Doyle's work. Leblanc's 'Arsène Lupin' series, blending humor, daring exploits, and psychological complexity would influence generations of writers and establish a new standard for the 'caper' story. Leblanc's literary style is characterized by its elegant prose, wit, and labyrinthine plots, which continue to captivate readers and remain a staple of the genre. His contributions to detective fiction are immortalized in the beloved characters and enduring stories that emanate an intrinsic French charm.