MAURICE LEBLANC (1864-1941)was born in Rouen, France. Author of numerous novels, he is best remembered now for his short stories and novels featuring the brilliant gentleman-thief, Ars ne Lupin. There were five collections of Lupin stories- Ars ne Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar (1906), Ars ne Lupin versus Herlock Sholmes (1908), The Confessions of Ars ne Lupin (1912), The Eight Strokes of the Clock (1922), and Ars ne Lupin Intervenes (1928). ABOUT THE INTRODUCER- Martin Walker is the author of a series of mystery novels set in France featuring Bruno, Chief of Police, including To Kill a Troubadour and A Chateau Under Siege. Best sellers in Europe, his novels have been translated into more than fifteen languages.He divides his time between Washington, D.C., and the Dordogne in France.