Marcel Proust's Search for Lost Time: A Reader's Guide to the Remembrance of Things Past (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780307472328)

An accessible, irreverent guide to one of the most admired--and entertaining--novels of the past century: Rememberance of Things Past. 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.

Author: Patrick Alexander
ISBN-10: 0307472329
ISBN-13: 9780307472328
Publisher: Vintage
Language: English
Published: 09/22/2009
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 7.80h x 5.10w x 1.00d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 10/01/2009 pg. 77