Emile Zola was French novelist who wrote in the school of naturalism and is noted for his work in revolutionizing France. The Rougon-Macquart series brought Zola literary fame and is considered his life work. It took 25 years to finish the 20 volumes. The idea for writing the social history of a family encompassing several volumes probably came from his reading the works of Balzac. Zola shows how people in a family who appear to be quite individualistic actually are quite similar. Heredity and proximity determine who we are and how we act. This is an excellent companion piece for anyone studying the Rougon-Macquart.