File 27 - A.l.s. with envelope from Émile Zola to Ély Halpérine-Kaminsky

1 letter

30. A.l.s. with envelope from Émile Zola to Ély Halpérine-Kaminsky (1858-1936), [Paris, 23 June 1891], 2 p.
    In this declaration, which is a continuation of Zola’s conversation with Halpérine-Kaminsky regarding Tolstoï’s ideas (see above, letters 21 and 27), Zola states that he neither smokes nor drinks, but does not think that this makes him a better person : his decision was based on his own personality and his health concerns. He goes on to say that he finds Tolstoï’s theory that men smoke and drink instinctively in order to lull their conscience is somewhat overly dramatic. For Zola, men drink for pleasure and smoke first to show off and then by habit. He concludes by saying : “Good Lord! Why not leave this pleasure and this habit with those who don’t suffer by it?” A rare and interesting statement on Zola’s personal habits.
    On Ély Halpérine-Kaminsky, see the notes to letter 21.
    The envelope is stamped and franked, and reads : “Monsieur Halpérine-Kaminsky, 85 boulevard de Port-Royal, Paris”.
    On the text, in pencil, on the upper right-hand corner, in an unknown hand : “[23 juin] 1891”.

Added by S Mohtadi, 28 September 2018