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This volume includes three books intended to illustrate the cardinal principles of human life according to Emile Zola. Originally named "Les Quatre Évangiles" was supposed to consist of 4 novels, but the last novel "Justice" was never completed: Fécondité (1899) Travail (1901) Vérité (1903, published posthumously) Justice (unfinished) "Fruitfulness" is the first of a series of three works in which M. Zola proposes to embody what he considers to be the four cardinal principles of human life. These works spring from the previous series of The Three Cities: "Lourdes", "Rome", and "Paris", which dealt with the principles of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Émile Zola (1840 – 1902), French novelist, critic, and political activist who was the most prominent French novelist of the late 19th century. He was noted for his theories of naturalism, which underlie his monumental 20-novel series Les Rougon-Macquart, and for his intervention in the Dreyfus Affair through his famous open letter, "J'accuse."

Contains English translations of sixteen short fiction stories by nineteenth-century French author Emile Zola.

"The Four Days of Jean Gourdon" (Les Quatre Journees de Jean Gourdon; 1874, in: Nouveaux Contes a Ninon) deserves to rank among the very best things to which Zola has signed his name. It is a study of four typical days in the life of a Provencal peasant of the better sort, told by the man himself... --- In the first of these it is "Spring" Jean Gourdon is eighteen years of age, and he steals away from the house of his uncle Lazare, a country priest, that he may meet his coy sweetheart Babet by the waters of the broad Durance... Next follows a day in "Summer," five years later; Jean, as a soldier in the Italian war, goes through the horrors of a battle and is wounded. This episode, which has something in common with the "Sevastopol" of Tolstoy, is exceedingly ingenious in its observation of the sentiments of a common man under fire... The "Autumn" of the story occurs fifteen years later. Jean and Babet have now long been married. They are rich, healthy, devoted to one another, respected by all their neighbours; but there is a single happiness lacking - they have no child. Only now, when the corn and the grapes are ripe, this gift also is to be theirs... The optimistic tone has hitherto been so consistently preserved, that one must almost resent the tragedy of the fourth day. This is eighteen years later, on a Winter's night: The river Durance rises in spate... --- It is impossible to give an impression of the charm and romantic sweetness of this little masterpiece. It raises many curious reflections to consider that this exquisitely pathetic pastoral, with all its gracious and tender personages, should have been written by the master of Naturalism, the author of "Germinal" and of "Pot-Bouille" ("Piping Hot "). (Edmund Gosse)"

"Four Short Stories: NANA" by Émile Zola offers a compelling glimpse into French society through a collection of novellas that epitomize realism and naturalism. Set against the backdrop of Parisian society, Zola delves deep into the intricacies of human nature, morality, and relationships, presenting character studies that are both vivid and profound. Through meticulous observation and social commentary, Zola exposes the complexities of life in 19th-century France, exploring the passions, desires, and tragedies that shape the lives of his characters. From the eponymous NANA, a captivating courtesan whose rise and fall mirror the excesses of society, to the ordinary individuals grappling with moral dilemmas and societal expectations, Zola's narratives resonate with authenticity and depth. As a master of realism, Zola's portrayal of Parisian life is gritty and unapologetic, offering readers a raw and unfiltered view of the human condition. Through the lens of tragedy and passion, he delves into the darker aspects of society, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the consequences of societal decadence."Four Short Stories: NANA" stands as a timeless example of French literature, showcasing Zola's unparalleled talent for capturing the essence of life with unflinching honesty and insight.