The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera is a novel by Gaston Leroux, first published in 1910. Set within the labyrinthine corridors and hidden chambers of the Paris Opera House, this Gothic tale blends mystery, romance, and psychological horror. Drawing on real locations and rumours surrounding the opera house, Leroux presents the story as a quasi-investigation into strange events, disappearances, and accidents attributed to a mysterious “Opera Ghost.”

At the heart of the novel is Christine Daaé, a young and gifted soprano whose rise to fame seems guided by an unseen mentor. This figure is soon revealed to be Erik, the Phantom, a brilliant but disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the opera house and exerts control through fear, illusion, and manipulation. Christine becomes entangled in his obsessive devotion, even as she reconnects with her childhood friend and suitor, Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny.

As performances are disrupted and tensions escalate, the narrative moves between backstage intrigue and subterranean horror, exploring themes of isolation, unrequited love, and the price of genius. Leroux’s novel balances suspense with emotional depth, portraying the Phantom not merely as a villain but as a tragic figure shaped by cruelty and rejection. The story unfolds gradually, maintaining its mystery while building toward moments of high drama.

A cornerstone of classic Gothic fiction, The Phantom of the Opera has influenced countless adaptations in literature, theatre, and film. Gaston Leroux, best known for his mastery of suspense and mystery, crafts a richly atmospheric novel that continues to captivate readers drawn to dark romance, hidden worlds, and timeless tales of obsession.

This translation by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos was first published in 1911.