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

Émile ZOLA (1840.1902)

Autographed letter signed to Henry Céard.

Two pages in-8°. Médan. July 4 [18]85

"I don't believe there's a need for so many formalities when one acts openly for the greater good."

As executor of the will, Zola rejoices at the new publication of the novel by his late friend Louis-Edmond Duranty.

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“My dear Céard, I agree with you; we mustn’t let this opportunity slip away, since Mr. Piégu [Louis Paul Piégu] is willing to reprint The Misfortune of Henriette Gérard . The executors of the will seem to me to be able to authorize this reproduction, leaving the money to be used afterward, either for the benefit 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 document is necessary, draft the formula, send it to me so that I can sign it; then you can have the other two sign it. The important thing is that the publication begins in La Vie populaire, when the time is right. After that, we will come to an agreement. There is no need for so many formalities, I believe, when one acts openly for the greater good. Until next time, won’t it? And affectionately yours, 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. As executor of his will, Zola wrote the catalogue entry for the writer's books and paintings, which were sold on January 28 and 29, 1881, for the benefit of Pauline Bourgeois, Duranty's companion, who was left in solitude and poverty.