Émile ZOLA. L.A.S., Médan July 26, 1882, [to Auguste Dumont, of Gil Blas]; 1 1/2 pages in-8. About Au Bonheur des Dames. The introductory note is perfect. "I have simply taken the liberty of inserting the indication of the setting, the large novelty stores, as I realize that my idea is being stolen from me a little everywhere, since indiscretions have spread it, and it is good that we take a date. - I also think you should announce the work right away. Self-promotion costs nothing, and is often the most effective. The Voltaire repeated over and over again for a year that it would publish Nana, which I believe was a good half of the repercussion given to the appearance of the work"... Attached is a L.A.S. to Auguste Cagliani, Médan August 27, 1882 (1p. in-8, envelope): "The sum you offer me is quite insufficient. I cannot sell the translation of one of my works for the whole of Italy, and I have always sold this translation for two thousand francs"...