Gaston Leroux is presented as the author of this singular work, "The Phantom of the Opera". Drawing on information from the Memoirs of a Manager and his own investigations, Leroux informs the reader how he acquired the certainty that the Opera ghost really existed. He states that the Phantom of the Opera was a real being, not merely a product of imagination. Leroux confirmed the skeleton of the Opera ghost was found during digging in the Opera substructure, a discovery he proved with the acting-manager. In his quest for the truth, Leroux examined documentation, including red ink letters. He discovered Christine Daae's writing and checked the past history of the Persian, also known as the Daroga. Leroux showed his documents to people mixed up in the Chagny case, including the family, such as Count Philippe, Raoul's brother. He sought out the examining magistrate, M. Faure, and consulted with former managers Debienne and Poligny and the current ones, Richard and Moncharmin. He was also assisted by Mme. Giry, the mother of little Meg, as well as Mercier, Gabriel, and M. Mifroid, the commissary of police. Leroux details events like the mysterious payments of twenty thousand francs orchestrated through a magic envelope, the tragic hanging of Joseph Buquet, the disturbances in Box Five, the disappearance of Christine Daae, and the climactic masked ball. He recounts Christine's connection to the supposed Angel of Music, revealed to be Erik, who is also the masked man. The narrative explores underground lake lair beneath the Paris Opera House. Leroux describes secret passages, including the Communists' dungeon, and the terrifying torture-chamber with its optical illusions. He recounts the Daroga and Raoul's perilous journey through these depths, facing dangers like the Punjab lasso and gunpowder-filled barrels. The text mentions Erik's proficiency as a ventriloquist and composer of Don Juan Triumphant and a Requiem mass. Leroux indicates he gathered information from various sources, including the Persian's manuscript, Christine Daae's papers, and statements from those involved, like Sorelli and Carlotta. He notes the Persian later resided in a Rue de Rivoli flat. He confirmed the existence of the Rue Scribe passage and other hidden features of the building. Ultimately, Leroux presents this as a "dreadful and veracious story", believing it to be the truth behind the legend of the Opera ghost.
Gaston Leroux is presented as the author of this singular work, "The Phantom of the Opera". Drawing on information from the Memoirs of a Manager and his own investigations, Leroux informs the reader how he acquired the certainty that the Opera ghost really existed. He states that the Phantom of t...