Death in Paris: Émile Zola

Émile Zola was one of France’s most celebrated writers, yet his name always carried controversy. He was unafraid to write about society’s taboos, and to challenge the laws of the government. Zola put his life at risk when he became publicly involved in the infamous Dreyfus Affair, and defended the persecuted Jewish captain by writing an open letter to the President. The bold action led to a violent witch-hunt against Zola, and his life was put in mortal danger. Then, just four years after his letter, Zola was found dead in his Parisian house — allegedly killed by carbon monoxide. But in 1957 a newspaper published a deathbed confession from an antisemitic chimney sweep who admitted that he was responsible for killing Émile Zola…. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices