This series, inspired by the memoirs of Eugène-François Vidocq, chronicles the adventures of a former convict who becomes a policeman in the early 19th century. In these new tales, Vidocq encounters a captivating "baroness" who is a formidable gang leader. The cases assigned to Vidocq involve not only police investigations but also delicate political and diplomatic matters. The series was presented in the Gallimard edition (1973) with the following description: "Escaping from prison, becoming the head of the Sûreté, and accepting increasingly important police and political missions, all while knowing he could be thrown back into chains if he fails—such is the incredible yet true story of Vidocq."