Some of you may have been present on occasions in the past when I’ve given what I call "an illustrated lecture."

Well this is an "illustrated dedication" ... to three people

And I’d like first to dedicate this lecture to my long time colleague, and friend, George Anastaplo.

  Mr. Anastaplo was one of the first people with whom I had any substantive conversation about Proust, as it happened, at a Cubs game some four years ago. (You remember the Cubs? They are a baseball team that plays on the North Side. The world champion Chicago White Sox play on the South Side. I trust that George will appreciate this comment.)

And subsequently, it was in conversation with him that the idea of today's lecture was hatched, that one fruitful way of approaching Proust might be to notice how animals appear in his work

So it’s certainly appropriate – and I’m very pleased to be able – to dedicate my observations on this occasion to George Anastaplo.

I have a brief appreciation of Mr. Anastaplo on the table outside the auditorium and I invite you to pick up a copy on your way out.

But today, George has to share the honor, if I may, because this lecture is also dedicated to two other individuals who have informed the development of my understanding of Proust among the animals,.

These are my two dear long-time companions

  Rustic and Tobias Pink von Orange.   

To George, Rustic, and Tobias, then, I dedicate this lecture.

Thank you.