For many years I have subscribed to Vanity Fair, for the library where I work. The last page is the only one that I sometimes read because of the Proustian questionnaire. I have been vaguely curious about the name. I never really associated it with Marcel Proust because the 2 are just worlds apart. I thought maybe there is somebody in the editorial staff of the magazine with that name who uses that page for his imprint. Anyway, just lately I saw the phrase used a few times in the print media. And it looks to me like it is indeed an eponym. I googled the phrase and the one anecdotal explanation I found does not really say much. Supposedly, Proust once upon a time was asked to name his favorite paintings at the Louvre, to which he has not been to for 15 years.
There must be a more elaborate explanation than this.
If you know of one, please let me know.
Thanks

Jackie, dr. bill, W'ON I found time!