Joyeux anniversaire à toi, Monsieur Gaston Leroux!

143 years ago today, the man who created the original story of Erik, the Phantom of the Opera, was born. This year also holds the honor of being the 100th anniversary of the novel's first English-language publication. (It had first been published in French 2 years prior as a newspaper serial, and debuted in novel form in 1910.)

Whatever version of POTO each of us might hold nearest and dearest to our hearts, we must give credit where it is due... so cheers to the man without whom none of this -- not the movies, musicals, Phan webpages, fanfics, or even this very blog -- would exist. Thank you, Monsieur Leroux, for creating a story that has stood the test of time and continues to touch audiences to this day.


I remain your obedient servant,
I.A.E.