File 2 - Files: 213-222

These files consist of photocopies of letters sent to Zola between January of 1871 and December of 1879.
These files are primarily composed of photocopies of handwritten letters, although there are a few typed
transcriptions of the letters as well. These files follow the increased popularity and success of Zola’s writing
with the release of L’Assommoir and the creation of a theatre production of Thérèse Raquin, which is likewise
reflected in the increase of fan mail in the later years. The contents of letters between Numa Coste, Louis
Marguery and Georges Charpentier (Zola’s editor) indicate that Zola is becoming increasingly involved in the
social world of literary authors (with names like Henry Céard, Léon Hennique, Guy de Maupassant, Joris-Karl
Huysmans and Louis Edmond Duranty appearing in the contents of the correspondence). Similarly, there is a
clear globalization of Zola’s works as Zola receives correspondence from the United States (discussing
translations) and Georges Charpentier discusses potential German translations.