Marcel Proust's Search for Lost Time
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An accessible, irreverent guide to one of the most admired—and entertaining—novels of the past century. There is no other guide like this; a user-friendly and enticing entry into the marvelously enjoyable world of Proust.
At seven volumes, three thousand pages, and more than four hundred characters, as well as a towering reputation as a literary classic, Proust’s novel can seem daunting. But though begun a century ago, in 1909, it is in fact as engaging and relevant to our times as ever. Patrick Alexander is passionate about Proust’s genius and appeal—he calls the work “outrageously bawdy and extremely funny”—and in his guide he makes it more accessible to the general reader through detailed plot summaries, historical and cultural background, a guide to the fifty most important characters, maps, family trees, illustrations, and a brief biography of Proust. Essential for readers and book groups currently reading Proust and who want help keeping track of the huge cast and intricate plot, this Reader’s Guide is also a wonderful introduction for students and new readers and a memory-refresher for long-time fans.
At seven volumes, three thousand pages, and more than four hundred characters, as well as a towering reputation as a literary classic, Proust’s novel can seem daunting. But though begun a century ago, in 1909, it is in fact as engaging and relevant to our times as ever. Patrick Alexander is passionate about Proust’s genius and appeal—he calls the work “outrageously bawdy and extremely funny”—and in his guide he makes it more accessible to the general reader through detailed plot summaries, historical and cultural background, a guide to the fifty most important characters, maps, family trees, illustrations, and a brief biography of Proust. Essential for readers and book groups currently reading Proust and who want help keeping track of the huge cast and intricate plot, this Reader’s Guide is also a wonderful introduction for students and new readers and a memory-refresher for long-time fans.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is an immensely enjoyable read, written in clear, non-academic prose. The author's enthusiasm for Proust is clear from the outset and catching, too. If you've tackled Proust before, or if you intend to, this is a book you will need. In the first section Patrick Alexander elegantly summarises the plot of each volume, providing plenty of quotations. Next follows a guide to the (many) characters, and the book concludes with biographical and historical material to place 'A la recherche' in context. Just as Harry Blamires' guide is indispensable when tackling 'Ulysses', and Brian Boyd's 'Nabokov's Pale Fire' for understanding the complexities and hidden pleasures of that book, so too does this reader's guide make a roaring lion of a read seem more like an approachable pussy cat.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have had the two volume set of 'Remembrance Of Things Past' by C K Scott Moncrieff for a few years and not got round to reading it. I also bought the first of the updated six volume set of 'In Search Of Lost Time: Swann's Way' with the intention of trying again. Unfortunately I have kept putting it off, even though I really did want to read it. I think I was put off by the cast of characters in the 3000+ pages and the fear that it would be a too serious a tome (like 'The Count Of Monte Cristo' - apologies to those that have read it).
It has a short introduction to the full work with an additional quite detailed introduction to each volume, plus a list of characters and a small biography of each of the major characters that feature. There is also a small biography of Marcel Proust at the end.
This book by Patrick Alexander has really helped, showing that 'In Search Of Lost Time' is a very interesting and humorous novel. If I had not read this book I know I would have never attempted Proust, fearing it would be too dry and serious. I therefore heartily recommend it to anyone in the same situation.
I would also recommend How Proust Can Change Your Life by Alain de Botton, which is quite humorous too and a good introduction to Proust's private life.
It has a short introduction to the full work with an additional quite detailed introduction to each volume, plus a list of characters and a small biography of each of the major characters that feature. There is also a small biography of Marcel Proust at the end.
This book by Patrick Alexander has really helped, showing that 'In Search Of Lost Time' is a very interesting and humorous novel. If I had not read this book I know I would have never attempted Proust, fearing it would be too dry and serious. I therefore heartily recommend it to anyone in the same situation.
I would also recommend How Proust Can Change Your Life by Alain de Botton, which is quite humorous too and a good introduction to Proust's private life.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is a very helpful guide to Proust. However, it is based upon an outdated edition. I am using the same translation as the author, but his edition arranges the volumes differently so that his page references are impossible to follow.
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