Remembrance of Things Past: Volume 1

This classic translation by Scott Moncrieff presents Proust's exploration of memory, love, and loss through the narrator's life experiences, featuring the first two parts: Swann's Way and Within a Budding Grove.

Remembrance of Things Past: Volume 1, translated by C. K. Scott Moncrieff, is a celebrated rendition of Marcel Proust's monumental work, which is often regarded as one of the defining novels of the twentieth century. This volume comprises the first two sections of Proust's narrative: Swann's Way and Within a Budding Grove. Through the eyes of its introspective narrator, the story explores themes of memory, love, and the passage of time, as the protagonist navigates the complexities of life leading up to and during the First World War.

Scott Moncrieff's translation, first published in the 1920s, is noted not only for its fidelity to the original text but also for its literary artistry. It has earned a reputation as a classic translation in its own right, capturing the essence of Belle Époque France with a vividness that resonates with readers. Critics have praised Moncrieff’s ability to evoke the subtleties of Proust's prose, making his translation an essential guide for anyone seeking to engage with Proust's intricate world.

This edition, designed with care by Coralie Bickford-Smith, presents the text in three elegant clothbound volumes, enhancing the reading experience. The enduring appeal of Moncrieff's work is reflected in the accolades it has received, with notable figures such as Joseph Conrad expressing admiration for its literary merit. Remembrance of Things Past: Volume 1 serves as an invitation to delve into Proust's profound meditation on art, identity, and the nature of existence.