Emile Zola was a French novelist, playwright, and journalist, known for his significant contributions to the literary movement of naturalism. He is best known for his series of 20 novels called "Les Rougon-Macquart," which explores the impact of heredity and environment on the lives of a fictional family during the Second French Empire. Zola's works often addressed social and political issues, and he was a key figure in the Dreyfus Affair, a political scandal that divided France in the late 19th century. His writing style was characterized by a focus on realism and a commitment to depicting the harsh realities of life. Zola's influence on literature and social commentary continues to be felt today.