Assommoir

Assommoir

Emile Zola • C. Marpon & E. Flamarion

ISBN-10: 2070411435 · ISBN-13: 978‑2070411436

Live offer for this book: 1 live copy of this book from $5.59 (as of 2026-09-07).

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Completeness 58

Cover quality: good

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This illustrated story follows Gervaise Macquart, a laundress, who is abandoned in Paris with two sons by her shiftless lover, Auguste Lantier. Seeking stability, she marries Coupeau, a hardworking zinc worker, and they temporarily enjoy a comfortable life, even opening their own laundry business. Their downfall begins when Coupeau falls from a roof, leading to a life of idleness and alcoholism, fueled by the local bar, L'Assommoir . The family succumbs to debt, sloth, and degradation, while Lantier returns to exploit them, living off their remaining resources. Gervaise is slowly broken by environmental factors, including her husband's abusive behavior and her own descent into drinking. The novel was highly controversial upon release for its raw portrayal of poverty but firmly established Zola’s fame and reputation. The 1878 illustrated edition of Émile Zola's L'Assommoir , published by C. Marpon et E. Flammarion in Paris, is famous for featuring illustrations from several prominent artists of the era. While the edition contains roughly 60 to 70 wood engravings created by over 20 different artists, the most notable contributor is the Impressionist painter Auguste Renoir , who provided four illustrations. Proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit literacy programs in the St. Louis, Missouri area.

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1 live copy of this book from $5.59 (as of 2026-09-07).

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