A Study in Naturalism is a comprehensive biography of the French novelist Emile Zola. It covers Zola's life from his birth in 1840 to his death in 1902, and examines his works and their influence on the literary world. The book begins with a brief overview of Zola's life and works, and then moves on to a more detailed examination of his writing. Howells looks at Zola's use of naturalism, his exploration of social issues, and his influence on the development of the modern novel. He also examines Zola's relationships with other writers, such as Guy de Maupassant and Gustave Flaubert, and his involvement in the Dreyfus Affair. The book concludes with an assessment of Zola's legacy and his place in the history of literature. Howells argues that Zola's works are still relevant today, and that his influence on the development of the modern novel is undeniable. He also argues that Zola's commitment to social justice and his willingness to stand up for what he believed in are admirable qualities that should be remembered and celebrated.
By William Dean Howells · First published 1900 · Genre: Biography, Literary Criticism, History · 7 chapters