MYSTERY OF THE LOUVRE

Reader’s Library Film Edition 4 1/4 inch x 6 1/2 inch 254 Page Hardback Book Edition #268 The Crime Series THE MYSTERY OF THE LOUVRE by Arthur Bernede

This is the basis for the first part of the 4 part serial BELPHEGOR directed by Henri Desfontaines in 1927. Illustrated with 8 scenes from the Universal Production starring Elmir Vautier and Rene Navarre

Writer Arthur Bernède was a renowned playwright, journalist, screenwriter, and the author of numerous popular novels. His best-remembered creations are the mysterious avenger known as Judex (co-created with and for filmmaker Louis Feuillade who directed the first Fantômas serials), and the villainous Belphegor, the so-called “Ghost of the Louvre”.

In 1919, Bernède joined forces with actor René Navarre (who had played Fantômas in the Feuillade serials) and writer Gaston Leroux (the creator of Rouletabille) to launch the Société des Cinéromans, a production company that would produce films and novels simultaneously. Belphegor (the name is a variation on the demon Baal-Phagor) was an attempt by Bernède to create a character to rival Fantômas, Judex, and the Phantom of the Opera

A ghostly presence is haunting the Louvre, seeking the Treasure of the Kings of France, hidden under the museum. The villains are unmasked by journalist Jacques Bellegarde and detective Chantecoq. Belphegor is revealed to be Bellegarde’s mistress, Simone Desroches, who learned of the Treasure in a manuscript written by Catherine de Medici’s astrologer, Ruggieri.

The book is in very good condition with dust jacket artwork by Batchelor. The jacket has a couple of tears and minor wear on the spine and a small piece ripped from the back.