Preface, The Memory Chalet, Night Summary and Analysis

Preface: Tony Judt explains that the essays in this collection were never intended for publication. He began writing down his thoughts when two of his agents suggested that he compile them into a book-length manuscript and have them published. Judt was hesitant, since he had written the work without the benefit of an internal editor. But he eventually listened to the urgings of his agent and published the collection entitled The Memory Chalet.

The Memory Chalet: Growing up in the 1950's, Judt's family frequently took him on vacation to a skiing resort in Switzerland, the home of Judt's fondest childhood memories. Judt has fond memories of his time there, particularly around the age of ten-years-old, when he rubbed elbows with many famous celebrities of the time. Although he only visited the chalet once...