Pleasures and Days: A New Translation

Pleasures and Days, originally titled Les Plaisirs et les Jours and published in 1896, is a beautifully crafted collection of stories, essays, and prose poems that reveal Marcel Proust's early literary talent and the themes he would explore throughout his life's work. In this collection, Proust captures the fleeting nature of joy, love, and melancholy, while examining the subtle intricacies of social life, human relationships, and inner longing. Each piece delves into the emotional and sensory experiences that define human existence, offering readers a glimpse into the beauty and sadness that reside in everyday moments.

Through exquisite, lyrical prose, Proust explores the lives of his characters with deep psychological insight, bringing to light their desires, regrets, and the bittersweet nature of their pleasures. From the salons of Paris to quiet country settings, Pleasures and Days paints a picture of the world through Proust's perceptive and sensitive lens, foreshadowing the introspective style that would later define his masterwork, In Search of Lost Time.

This edition preserves the charm and elegance of Proust's early prose, updated for contemporary readers. Pleasures and Days is an essential read for fans of classic literature and those interested in the early work of one of the 20th century's greatest writers. It captures the delicate interplay between fleeting pleasures and the passage of time, making it a timeless reflection on the human spirit.