According to the Guinness World Records, Marcel Proust’s “A la recherche du temps perdu” holds the distinction of being the longest book in the world. Marcel Proust’s epic story, “A la recherche du temps perdu,” known in English as “Remembrance of Things Past” (or initially translated as “In Search of Lost Time”), is acknowledged as the longest in history, despite being divided into multiple volumes.
History’s remarkable works of literature can be measured and appreciated through various lenses. When considering physical size, the largest book in the world takes the form of a collection of stone tablets located in Myanmar. On the other end of the scale, the world’s smallest book, titled “Teeny Ted from Turnip Town,” can only be read using an electron microscope, representing a fascinating juxtaposition in literary dimensions.
Marcel Proust’s book delves into the narrative of his own life, intertwining profound themes such as involuntary memory, the quest for truth, and the pursuit of meaning.
Novels can have a vast range of lengths, as evident from the titles on the list compilation of the best-selling books of all timespan from 16,000 to 250,000 words. Marcel Proust’s magnum opus, “A la recherche du temps perdu, comprises approximately 1.3 million words, totaling an estimated 9,609,000 characters. In the character count, every letter, including spaces, is considered a distinct character.
Who was Marcel Proust?
Marcel Proust, born on July 10, 1871, in Auteuil near Paris, hailed from a renowned family. Spending his childhood holidays in Illiers, a village that served as the inspiration for Combray in his fictional world, Proust developed a deep connection to the place. In 1881, he experienced his first asthma attack, marking the beginning of his lifelong struggle with the condition.
Despite his fragile health, Proust served in the French army for a year after high school. He initially pursued studies in politics and law but eventually switched to philosophy and literature, graduating from university. To fulfill his father’s wishes, he reluctantly worked as a librarian but quickly obtained sick leave. Proust’s leisurely lifestyle and connections to aristocratic circles and fashionable salons in Paris earned him a reputation for snobbery and social climbing.
Proust grappled with his homosexuality throughout his life, despite attempts by his father to “cure” him through a visit to a brothel. While he had several lovers, he kept his sexual orientation concealed. In 1896, his first book, “Les plaisirs et les jours” (Pleasures and Days), a collection of short stories, was published. Proust even engaged in a duel with a critic who disparaged the work.
Tragedy struck in 1903 with the passing of Proust’s father, followed by the loss of his beloved mother two years later. Inheriting a fortune, he lived a luxurious lifestyle, but his health continued to decline. Seeking solace in the solitude of his bedroom, Proust devoted himself to his life’s work, “A la recherche du temps perdu.”
Publication
The seven volumes of the novel were published in Paris between 1913 and 1927. In 1909, at the age of 38, Marcel Proust embarked on his monumental work, completing the first volume in 1912. Faced with rejections from various publishers and editors, Proust took matters into his own hands and used his own funds to release the first volume through the Grasset publishing house in 1913.
Initially, Proust resorted to paying critics to speak favorably about his book. However, the second part of his work quickly gained international recognition and garnered prestigious awards upon its publication.
Despite establishing an early structure for two more volumes, Proust continued to add new material even after completing the initial volumes. Especially during the time of first world war, he extensively revised and expanded his novel, enriching its depth and construction while enhancing its realistic and satirical aspects. This resulted in a threefold increase in its length.
Between 1913 and 1927, the complete seven-volume novel was published gradually, with each volume released separately. Proust, living a reclusive and semi-invalid life in a sound-proofed apartment in Paris, devoted himself entirely to the creation of his masterpiece.
The last three volumes of the book, published after his demise and edited by his brother Robert, contain oversights, fragmentary sections, and unpolished passages as they existed only in draft form at the time of Proust’s passing in November 1922.
What the book is about?
This novel delves into the subjective nature of reality, exploring the depths of the unconscious mind. It covers themes of love, jealousy, sickness, war, homosexuality, pederasty, the fleeting nature of life, and mortality. The book also captures the creative power inherent in childhood memories. Proust’s unparalleled obsession and meticulous attention to detail illuminate every facet of human existence, solidifying his unique place in the literary realm.
A standout aspect of the book is its exploration of involuntary memory, exemplified by the famous “Madeleine incident.” The protagonist’s childhood memories are triggered by the taste of a small cake dipped in lime blossom tea. These sensory recollections exemplify Proust’s distinctive artistic writing style.
- Volume 1 Swann’s Way: Marcel Proust recalls his childhood in Combray, with memories of his mother’s goodnight kiss, the garden flowers, and the scent of hawthorn hedges. A taste of madeleine cake dipped in tea triggers a blissful sensation, reminding him of childhood Sundays. He also falls in love with Gilberte Swann.
- Volume 2 In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower: Swann marries Odette, and rumors of her manipulations surface. Marcel’s love for Gilberte changes after an intimate incident, and he falls ill. He befriends Robert de Saint-Loup and encounters the glamorous Baron de Charlus. Marcel is fascinated by a group of young girls, particularly Albertine.
- Volume 3 The Guermantes Way: Marcel moves near the Duke and Duchess de Guermantes. He falls in love with the Duchess but fails to gain her attention. Marcel attends a reception with anti-Semitic undertones. His grandmother dies, and Marcel’s disillusionment with high society grows.
- Volume 4 Sodom and Gomorrah: Marcel discovers Baron de Charlus’s homosexuality. He becomes more aware of the signs of homosexuality in others. Marcel meets Albertine, suspects her of lesbian relationships, and their relationship becomes strained.
- Volume 5 The Prisoner: Marcel struggles with jealousy in his relationship with Albertine. He becomes possessive and confronts her about her alleged affairs. Albertine leaves abruptly, and Marcel is informed of her death. Suspicion and doubt continue to plague him.
- Volume 6 The Fugitive: Marcel obsesses over Albertine’s departure, trying unsuccessfully to win her back. Conflicting stories about Albertine’s past come to light. Marcel travels to Venice and realizes his indifference toward her.
- Volume 7 Time Regained: Marcel returns to Paris after the war. He witnesses disturbing scenes involving the Baron de Charlus. Marcel experiences moments of transcendent revelation and decides to write his novel. He attends a party and realizes the changes in people and society. His goal is to capture the essence of the past in his writing.
Legacy
Marcel Proust’s “A la recherche du temps perdu” has become a renowned work, revered for its profound themes and unique narrative approach. It is widely regarded as the quintessential modern novel, with a profound influence on writers like Virginia Woolf and Samuel Beckett. Surprisingly, even Marilyn Monroe and Sean Connery were counted among its fans, with Monroe reportedly having five volumes on her shelves. Although some notable writers may have found the work uninteresting, its impact on 20th-century literature remains significant. Since its publication, the novel has inspired countless imitations and parodies, solidifying its enduring legacy.