An exhaustive and exhausting biography, this is an incredible source of information on Zola and his works. This book came out just before Oxford University Press started issuing its (now almost-complete) masterful series of modern translations, so the plot summaries are immensely helpful, although the one area I wish Brown had gone into was English translation of the work. (That subject is covered very strongly in Graham King's older, more plebeian "The Garden of Zola".)

Of course, there's a fine line between erudition and pretention, and I'm not sure Brown always comes down on the right side of it. I could use a few less instances of the word 'ultramontane', and perhaps a bit more translation. When Brown notes Zola's early series of columns, "Mes Haines", he remarks on how the title is inherently aggressive, but he neglects to translate it into "My Hates", so anyone who doesn't have French will be at a loss in that moment.

Nevertheless, a powerful biography written from an admirably objective point-of-view. Situating Zola firmly in his time, Brown finds a strong balance between the author's life and career emanating from his own persona, and from the cultural elements that formed him. ( )

This is a richly detailed, satisfying biography of naturalist novelist Emile Zola. Brown surrounds the life with a tapestry of French and Parisian history and culture. I'm learning a lot from this book, and having a wonderful time doing so.

Note you WILL get spoilers for all the Rougon-Macquart novels (and other works) you haven't yet read -- if that's important for you. My 60 year old memory is sufficiently dull now that I won't mind -- by the time I get around to the volumes I haven't read, I'm sure I will have forgotten Brown's descriptions.

One tiny knock -- Brown seems fond of spinning at times quite Freudian interpretations of some of the actions of his big cast of characters. These interpretations are sometimes convincing, and sometimes not. Still, a great book/biography. If you love or even just like Zola, read this. ( )