Max Kahn notes on Marcel Proust, 1950s | Rare Book & Manuscript Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

During the 1950s, as scholars became increasingly interested in Marcel Proust's life, many sought out Proust's family and friends for interviews. Proust's former housekeeper, Celeste Albaret, became an important figure for those seeking to learn about Proust's personal affairs. Albaret worked for Proust from 1914-1922, after an introduction by her husband, Odilon Albaret, who was Proust's chauffeur. Proust was so fond of Celeste that he named a character after her in Sodom and Gomorrah.

Amateur Proust scholar Max Kahn visited Celeste Albaret in the later part of 1952 for an interview and wrote about his experience meeting her and Odilon.