Drunkard is the English translation of L'Assommoir, one of Émile Zola's most important and controversial novels, first published in 1877. A major work of literary naturalism, the novel presents an unflinching portrayal of working-class life in Paris, tracing the destructive effects of poverty, alcoholism and social hardship through the life of its central character, Gervaise Macquart. This edition presents the translation by Arthur Symons, bringing one of Zola’s most powerful social novels to an English-speaking readership. Drunkard, by Emile Zola, Translated by Arthur Symons. With an introduction by Alec Brown. Published by The Citadel Press, New York, 1958. First US edition thus. Printed in Great Britain. A very good black cloth hardback with printed title to spine. Housed in a very good dustjacket. The jacket with a discreet tape repair to rear, near head of spine. Not price clipped. Some light wear to extremities. Some mild offsetting and spotting to endpapers. Text block is generally very good - clean with mild age-toning. Text in English. 408pp. Dimensions: approx 205mm high x 140mm wide x 43mm deep. Weight: approximately 510g (unpacked).