In Memory of the Murdered Churches

Marcel Proust

May 2024 · Minerva Heritage Press

About this ebook

A new translation from the original French manuscripts of Marcel Proust's 1921 "In Memory of the Murdered Churches" (En Memoire De Eglises Assassinees). This edition contains a new Afterword by the translator, a timeline of Proust's life and works and a glossary of philosophic concepts in his body of work. Here Proust mournfully reflects upon the disappearance of sacred spaces and explores themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time. With evocative descriptions and personal reflections, he captures the significance of these lost architectural and spiritual landmarks, shedding light on the fragility of human creations and the collective memory. The work addresses how the absence of churches affects our understanding of history and our connection with the past, making it a poignant exploration of cultural heritage.

About the author

Marcel Proust (1871-1922) was a French writer best known for his monumental work À la recherche du temps perdu (In Search of Lost Time), a seven-part novel exploring memory, time, and identity. Through intricate narrative techniques, including the stream of consciousness, Proust delves into the psychological depths of his characters, examining how past experiences and sensory impressions shape human identity. His work is notable for its meticulous detail, lyrical prose, and the exploration of themes like love, jealousy, and social class. Proust’s concept of “involuntary memory,” famously illustrated by the episode of the madeleine, revolutionized narrative structure and has had a lasting impact on literature. Often regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century, Proust's work has influenced countless writers and remains a cornerstone of modern literature, celebrated for its profound insights into human consciousness and the passage of time.