"I value freedom of opinion too much, and I myself express my thoughts too clearly, to disapprove of being judged as one sees fit. Therefore, please retain your absolute freedom. It is the only way to please me."
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Émile ZOLA (1840.1902)
Autographed letter signed to a fellow journalist.
One page in-8°.
Médan. October 7, 1879.
« Therefore, please retain your absolute freedom. »
Émile Zola, who is about to publish Nana , proclaims the absolute necessity of freedom of expression: he intends to be subject to free criticism.
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"Sir and dear colleague,
You didn't need permission. I value freedom of opinion too much, and I myself speak my mind too clearly, to not appreciate being judged as one sees fit.
Please therefore retain your absolute freedom. It is the only way to please me. Yours sincerely, Emile Zola."
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The ninth volume of the Rougon-Macquart series, Nana was initially published as a serial in Le Voltaire from October 16, 1879 to February 5, 1880, then as a book, by Georges Charpentier, in February 1880.