Author Gaston Leroux, born May 6, 1868, published his most famous work, The Phantom of the Opera, as a serial in 1909 and as a book in 1910 (with an English translation appearing in 1911). Phantom, with its occult overtones, has been made into several film and stage productions of the same name. The 1925 silent film starring Lon Chaney Sr. accurately presents Erik with the hideous “Death’s Head” visage that cursed him from birth as well as depicting his tricks and torture devices. Leroux was made a Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur in 1909 and died in Nice on April 15, 1927, of a urinary tract infection.
The entire novel is presented here as a performance reading by Oscar nominated and 2-time recipient of the Emmy Award for Best Makeup Special FX, Edward E. French.
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