This volume investigates the evolution of Marcel Proust's critical reception and the shifting academic interpretations of his work over the decades. Leighton Hodson, an established scholar of French literature, compiles a comprehensive selection of contemporary reviews, essays, and critical responses to Proust's writing. By organizing these historical documents, the book provides a framework for understanding how Proust transitioned from a controversial contemporary figure to a canonical pillar of modern literature.

Scholars and students of French literature frequently cite this work as a foundational resource for tracking the development of Proustian studies. The text is noted for its academic rigor and its ability to synthesize a vast array of historical perspectives into a coherent narrative of literary reputation.