ZOLA (Émile). Manet ed. Paris: E. Dentu, 1867. - In-8, 237 x 154 : portrait, 48 pp. 1 plate, printed cover. Green cloth binding, smooth spine, untrimmed, cover preserved (period binding). First edition of this biographical and critical study dedicated by Zola to his friend Édouard Manet, first published in the Revue du XIXe siècle on January 1, 1867. It is the first monograph devoted to the artist. More than a simple biography, it is a true defence of the man and his work, particularly the painting entitled Olympia. This painting, exhibited for the first time at the 1865 Salon, depicts a luxury prostitute, Olympia being at the time a pseudonym for cocotte. It caused a real scandal and Zola was one of those who defended it: "In 1865, Édouard Manet was again received at the Salon; he exhibited a Jesus insulted by the soldiers, & his masterpiece, his Olympia. I said masterpiece, and I do not withdraw the word. I claim that this canvas is truly the flesh and blood of the painter. It contains all of him and only him. It will remain as the characteristic work of his talent, as the highest mark of his power. (p. 34). This booklet was sold at the retrospective exhibition organised by the artist in the pavilion built at his own expense at the Alma, on the fringes of the Universal Exhibition and the 1867 Salon from which he had been excluded. The edition is illustrated with a copper-engraved portrait of Manet by Bracquemont and an original etching by Manet representing his painting Olympia. A very well preserved copy in spite of some rare foxing.