Émile ZOLA - Autograph letter signed to his friend Henry Céard.

Emile Zola (1840.1902)

Autograph letter signed to Henry Céard.

Two pages in-8°. Medan. July 4 [18] 85

“There is no need for so many formalities, I believe, when one acts openly for the good. »

As executor of the will, Zola is delighted with the new publication of the novel by his late friend Louis-Edmond Duranty.

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“My dear Céard, I am of your opinion, we must not let the opportunity slip, since Mr. Piégu [Louis Paul Piégu] wants to reproduce Henriette Gérard’s Misfortune . The executors seem to me to be able to authorize this reproduction, even if it means then disposing of the money, either in favor of the legatee, or for the tomb. I am therefore sending you my authorization and I advise you to write to Guillemet and Fantin so that they can give you theirs. If a signed paper is necessary, write the form, send it to me so that I can sign it; then you will have the other two sign it. The important thing is that publication begins in La Vie populaire, when it takes place. Then we will get along. There is no need for so many formalities, I believe, when one acts openly for the good. See you soon, right? and affectionately to you. Emile Zola. »

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Louis-Edmond Duranty (1833.1880) had published Les Malheurs d'Henriette Gérard Le Pays , a few months before meeting Zola.

Edmond Duranty died in poverty in 1880. Executor of his will, Zola wrote the notice for the catalog of the writer's books and paintings which were sold on January 28 and 29, 1881 for the benefit of Pauline Bourgeois, his companion of Duranty left in the loneliness and misery.