Emile Zola

(1840-1902) French writer. Emile Zola was the founder of the Naturalism movement in literature. Zola is known for for works like "L'Assommoir" (1877), "Nana" (1880), and "Germinal" (1885). He was forced to flee France following the public uproar that surrounded a libel case that was brought against him. In the libel case, Zola was convicted and sentenced to one year in prison.

Emile Zola Birth & Education:

Emile Zola was born in Paris, France, on April 2, 1840. His father, François Zola, was an Italian engineer. His father died when Zola was seven years old. He went to the Collège Bourbon, and he then moved back to Paris, where he attended the Lycée Saint-Louis. Zola failed his baccalaureate exams.

Emile Zola Death:

Emile Zola died on September 28, 1902 from carbon monoxide poisoning. He died in his sleep, the victim of an apparent stopped-up chimney. The incident was officially declared an accident. Conspiracy was claimed, but no charges were ever filed. Zola was buried in the Cimetière de Montmartre in Paris, France. Later, his body was moved to the Panthéon.

Emile Zola Literary Achievements:

Emile Zola began writing literary columns and reviews, after spending time as a clerk. His views were controversial and politically motivated, even before the libel suit that was brought against him for the publication of "J'Accuse," an open letter to the French president.

Zola dipped his pen into a variety of fields. He became known as an art critic, political journalist, novelist, literary critic and theorist, and dramatist.