Gaston Leroux's Le Fantôme de l'Opéra was first published in a French newspaper, Le Gaulois serially from September 23, 1909 to January 8, 1910. It was translated into English, abridged and bound in 1911. Initially, it sold very poorly and was out of print several times during the twentieth century. Today, it is considered to be a classic of French literature and, in English speaking parts of the world, is Gaston Leroux's most famous work.

Below are covers from Gaston Leroux's novel. If you plan to read The Phantom of the Opera in English, please be aware that most versions are abridged. If you would like an unabridged version, Cherie strongly recommends the Wolf edition, pictured below on the right. The abridged version is in the public domain in most countries and can be read in English over the Internet at OnlineLiterature.com by clicking here.