Emile Zola Autograph

Exceptional autograph letter signed, one page, 5 x 7,25 inch, Paris, 6.06.1867, in French, to a columnist for the Parisian newspaper `Le Constitutionnel` - concerning a brochure (pamphlet) that Zola has just published, written and signed in dark ink "Emile Zola", attractively mounted (removable) for fine display with a photograph, shows Emile Zola in a chest-up portrait (altogether 11,75 x 8,25 inch), with two small holes (text unaffected), a few creases & slight paper loss at the top and left edges and very mild signs of age wear - in nearly fine condition. 

"Cher monsieur,
   J`ai l`honneur de vous faire remettre une brochure que je viens de publier. Cette brochure est de votre compétence, et je serais bien heureux, si vous vouliez lui consacrer quelques lignes dans une de vos feuilletons du Constitutionnel.
   Il est bien entendu que je me livre à vous, pieds et poings lié, et que je ne demande pas du éloges, mais une vérité franche.
   Votre bien dévoué et bien sympathique confrère
      Emile Zola"

Translated:
"Dear Sir,
   I have the honor of submitting to you a brochure I have just published. This brochure falls within your purview, and I would be most grateful if you would dedicate a few lines to it in one of your columns in the Constitutionnel.
   It is understood that I am placing myself entirely at your disposal, and that I am not asking for praise, but for the unvarnished truth.
   Yours sincerely and most sympathetic colleague,
      Emile Zola"

In June 1867, Émile Zola was just 27 years old and at the beginning of his rise as a leading figure of literary naturalism. He earned his living primarily as a committed journalist and a sharp-tongued art critic.

The year 1867 in Paris was dominated by the great World's Fair: The publication mentioned in the letter is, with near certainty, his now-famous 48-page pamphlet `Édouard Manet: Étude biographique et critique`, which he had released in early 1867. Zola was among the very first to recognize Manet’s genius. He wrote a passionate defense - first published in a periodical and subsequently printed as a standalone pamphlet - intended for sale as a companion piece to Manet’s own private exhibition during the World's Fair.
Today, this pamphlet is considered a milestone in modern art criticism, as Zola here champions the principles of truth and uncompromising reality - the very same `fresh, unsparing truth` ("vérité franche") that he also demands of the letter's recipient.