Émile Édouard Charles Antoine Zola, widely known as Émile Zola, was a prominent French novelist, journalist, and playwright. He was born on 2 April 1840 in Paris, France, and became the most renowned practitioner of the literary school of naturalism. Zola played a critical role in the political liberalization of France and is celebrated for his involvement in the exoneration of the falsely accused army officer, Alfred Dreyfus, through his famous open letter "J'Accuse...!". This letter, published in 1898, led to his trial for libel and subsequent exile to England. Zola's contributions to literature and society were significant, leading to nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1901 and 1902.

Zola's literary acclaim largely stems from his series of 20 novels known as Les Rougon-Macquart (1871-1893), which depicted the complexities and challenges of French society under the Second Empire. His works often explored themes of violence, alcohol, and prostitution during the Industrial Revolution's second wave, focusing on the environmental influences on two branches of a family. Notable novels like "Germinal" (1885) and "Nana" (1880) revealed societal hardships, while "The Ladies' Paradise" (1883) highlighted the rise of department stores.

Zola passed away on 29 September 1902 in Paris from carbon monoxide poisoning, reportedly due to a blocked chimney. His legacy endures as a pivotal figure in French literature and history.