Émile Gaboriau (1833–1873)

Émile Gaboriau, French novelist, was born at Saujon (Charente Inférieure). He became secretary to Paul Féval, and, after publishing some novels and miscellaneous writings, found his real gift in _L'Affaire Lerouge_ (1866), a detective novel which was published in the _Pays_ and at once made his reputation. The story was produced on the stage in 1872. A long series of novels dealing with the annals of the police court followed, and proved very popular. He died at 40 of pulmonary apoplexy in Paris, and his final works were published posthumously.

Among English editions, "Monsieur Lecoq" can refer to either the translation of both volumes of that work, or to just the first part (the translation of "L'Enquête"). In the latter case, part two goes by "The Honor of the Name."