Prolific French journalist, novelist, and activist (1840–1902) best known as one of the leading figures of naturalism and for his inflammatory 1898 open letter, ‘J’Accuse!,’ which exposed the anti-Semitism of the French press and government in the infamous Dreyfus Affair. ALS, in French, two pages, 5.25 x 8, February 18, 1896. Zola writes to Attilio Luzzatto, editor-in-chief of La Tribuna, a daily newspaper in Rome that published Zola’s novels in serial form. Luzzatto was Jewish and La Tribuna was later a strong supporter of Zola in the Dreyfus Affair. In part (translated): “I acknowledge receipt…of 2000 francs…for the second installment of ‘Rome,’ according to our arrangement. It seems to me that you’re moving very fast in ‘The Tribune’ and I’m afraid that you might get ahead of the French text in ‘Le Journal.’ Please be careful about that. In the worst event you might run short of copy. My wife and I send you and Madame Luzzatto…our most cordial greetings.” In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold to letter, lightly passing through signature.
Accompanied by a related ADS, in French, one page, 5 x 8, May 19, 1896. Zola writes, in full (translated): “Received from Mr. Attilio Luzzatto on account from La Tribuna the sum of 1750 francs…price agreed upon for the purchase of all translation rights in the Italian language for my novel ‘Rome’.” In fine condition.
After “five ferocious” weeks in Rome during which he made a “vast inquest,” Zola completed the research for his novel Rome in 1894. He finished the novel in 1896 as part of his Three Cities Trilogy. It was published as a serial simultaneously in Le Journal in Paris and La Tribuna in Rome from December to May, after which it appeared in bookstores. Zola had close ties to Italy as his father was Italian. William Dean Howells wrote of Zola: “At the bottom of his soul, though not perhaps at the bottom of his heart, he was Italian.” Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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