ZOLA (Émile). Germinal. Paris: G. Charpentier et Cie, 1885. -In-18, 184 x 120: (2 ff.), 591 pp. printed cover. Garnet half-maroquin with corners, spine ribbed, gilt head, untrimmed, cover preserved (Bernasconi). First edition of one of Zola's most famous novels, forming the thirteenth title in the Rougon-Macquart cycle. Vicaire calls it a "first edition in bookshops", but the one he considers original, dated 1884 and not put on the market, is in fact a pre-original edition printed by Dubuisson, reprinting on two columns the series of feuilletons published from November 26, 1884 to February 25, 1885 in the newspaper Gil Blas. One of 150 copies on Hollande paper (no. 31), enriched with an autograph signed letter from the author on the false title (recipient's name erased), and a visiting card from Zola mounted at the head, bearing this autograph message: "As Le Châtelet is playing "Germinal" against my will, I will not be going to the theater tonight, and I apologize to you, to whom I cannot send a seat. Emile Zola." Cover lined and restored.