Zola, Emile. Born in 1840. French novelist of the "naturalist" school. Began life as an employee of the Hachette firm, but in 1864 published "Contes a Ninon." Among his chief works are "Therese Raquin," "Les Rougon Macquart," a series of which "L'Assommoir" and "Nana," "Germinal," "La Terre," "La Bete Humaine," "La Debacle," are the most striking. Died 1902.

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