Nana. By Emile Zola. Illustrated by Allan Mardon. Limited Edition. Franklin Library. Franklin Center, 1981.

Emile Zola was a French novelist in the late nineteenth century who pioneered a new literary genre in naturalism: a thread of realism that prioritized scientific objectivism, determinism, and social commentary. His works were hugely influential in that regard, connecting him to authors like Stephen Crane, Theodore Dreiser, Jack London, and others. In Nana, Zola provides one of his most popular and influential novels. It follows its titular character as she builds a successful career as a courtesan in mid-nineteenth century France. Throughout her ascendance, she is depicted as a man-eater, ruining the lives of her lovers in what Zola surely meant as a harsh social critique. It was one of many installments in his Les Rougon-Macquart series, a major work of literary naturalism and French literature in general during the nineteenth century.

This limited edition is in fine condition. In the original leather, finely gilt stamped. Raised bands. Gilt spine label. Text block fine. Gilt edges. Silk moire endpapers and bookmark sewn in.

A fine collector’s copy of Nana.