Muhlstein, Anka

Readers interested in the history of art and literature will enjoy this crossover. Examining how these authors interpreted the art world provides new insight into 19th-century French culture.

The academic Proust expert may not uncover any literary revelations in this title, but the general madeleine enthusiast is bound to be entertained by Muhlstein's witty and lucid prose, despite its plot spoilers. Unlike the books of the Duc de Guermantes, the volumes in Proust's library were not bound uniformly in blonde calf-skin leather, and this tome energetically explores the distinct literary tastes of a modern writing genius.

The academic Proust expert may not uncover any literary revelations here, but the general madeleine enthusiast is bound to be entertained by Muhlstein's witty and lucid prose, despite plot spoilers. Unlike that of the Duc de Guermantes in Proust's novel, Proust's library was not bound uniformly in blonde calfskin leather; Muhlestein energetically explores the vastly ranging literary tastes of a literary genius. With illustrations by Andreas Gurewich and Gary Roar.

Well written and thorough, this title will appeal most to students of French history, lovers of Balzac and his writings, and those with a deep interest in food history; it might be a bit rich in detail for the taste of a casual reader. [Previewed in "Booked Solid: Falls Finds from BEA 2011," LJ 7/11.]—Courtney Greene, Indiana Univ. Libs., Bloomington