The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes (Illustrated Edition)

Émile François Zola ( 2 April 1840 29 September 1902) is one of the greatest writers of the 19th century, and one of Frances best known citizens. In his life, Zola was the most important exemplar of the literary school of naturalism and a major figure in the political liberalization of France. Around the end of his life, Zola was instrumental in helping secure the exoneration of the falsely accused and convicted army officer Alfred Dreyfus, a victim of anti-Semitism. The Dreyfus Affair was encapsulated in the renowned newspaper headline J'Accuse. Zolas Three Cities Trilogy, which cover science and religion in a rather critical manner, are an examination of life in the cities of Lourdes, Rome, and Paris during the mid-19th century. Each novel in the trilogy is full of Zolas vivid descriptive writing, with each detail painstakingly drawn out. Lourdes is the first volume in the series, and possibly the one that deals with religion and Zolas issues with it the most. The story marks the beginning of a young priest who grows increasingly disillusioned with his faith as the trilogy progresses. This edition of Zolas The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes is specially formatted with a Table of Contents and is illustrated with pictures of Zola, his life and work.