a series of renderings
 for the discussion of In Search of Lost Time

by Joel Rich

My teaching of Proust has proceeded through the creation - and continual development - of what I've called "discussion companions," heavily edited versions of the text, arranged under thematic headings.

I understand each of the companions as a rendering of the text - a melting down, to release something essential - for the specific purpose of facilitating discussion. They aren't intended to replace the text itself;  indeed, they assume the participant's previous acquaintance with the text from their own reading of the assignment.  Their sole purpose is to provide a setting within which readers can fruitfully focus and develop their understanding of the work in the context of others.

It's my intention to begin publishing my renderings online beginning in February 2008 which is also when I expect to begin leading an adult discussion group on In Search of Lost Time. Although it's subject to revision in 2010, at the outset, I'm publishing my rendering of Time Regained; and in February, I intend to begin publishing, each week, my renderings of Swann's Way.

I am also considering incorporating my renderings into an online distance education project.