The second volume of Marcel Proust's letters continues the exploration of a brilliant mind adapting to profound personal changes. It captures the transition from a man deeply connected to social circles to one increasingly dedicated to his writing. The letters offer insights into the writer’s grief, health struggles, and the shifting dynamics of his social and inner worlds.

Publication History and Context

The first collection of Marcel Proust’s letters, edited by Philip Kolb and translated by Ralph Manheim, was released in 1983. The task of publishing further volumes was undertaken by Oxford University Press, who committed to continuing this project after its initial publication by Collins in Great Britain and Doubleday in the United States. Volume two, much like its predecessor, curates the most significant letters from the extensive French version, focusing on a single year in each volume. While the majority of the letters are penned by Proust, the collection does include some correspondence directed to him from various individuals.

Personal Loss and Its Impact

During the period covered by this volume, Proust dealt with substantial changes in his personal life, most notably the profound grief following the deaths of his parents—his father in 1903 and his mother in 1905. The correspondence of this period frequently reflects his enduring sorrow, which was rekindled with each reminder of their passing. This ongoing mourning was often cited by Proust when excusing himself from social engagements, a necessity in part due to his chronic asthma. By 1909, as he embarked on his monumental literary endeavor, his excuses served to protect the time and energy needed for his writing.

Life Adjustments

The death of Proust’s mother, who had strongly supported his scholarly pursuits, led him to conclude his studies and translations of John Ruskin. Her passing also allowed him to ease the restrictions he had on his personal relationships, as her criticism was no longer a concern. Despite these newfound freedoms, Proust was haunted by the fear of dishonoring her memory through his homosexual relationships. A notable alteration in his lifestyle was a shift to a nocturnal routine, which was more conducive to his health and writing productivity. On December 27, 1906, Proust relocated to 102 Boulevard Haussmann in Paris, where he famously wrote his magnum opus, A la recherche du temps perdu, in a meticulously controlled environment.

Society Engagements and Literary Ambitions

In understanding Proust, both as a person and a writer, one must consider his engagement with high society and his pursuit of acceptance into elite salons. Despite his enduring captivation with the "Guermantes world," his letters reveal a gradual detachment from social obligations as his focus shifted towards his literary ambitions. His correspondence became a vehicle for maintaining relationships and gathering detailed observations, essential for his fictional creations, rather than merely fulfilling social obligations.

Literary Inspirations and Correspondences

Proust's letters are particularly intriguing for those looking to identify the real-life counterparts of characters from his fiction. While some, like the Baron de Charlus, directly reflect his acquaintances, others, such as the Duchesse de Guermantes and the writer Bergotte, are composites of several real individuals. Notably, his intimate exchanges with Reynaldo Hahn stand out for their personal tone, reflecting a deep bond. Translator Terence Kilmartin skillfully navigates the translation of their unique, playful language, preserving its essence and nuance.

Transformation and Confidence

Compared to the earlier letters, which often depict Proust as a social climber, the letters in this volume reflect a more self-assured and discerning individual. His deteriorating health and commitment to his literary work were pivotal in reshaping his priorities. As he transitioned from various literary experiments to...