Select the most appropriate one-word substitution for the given group of words.

A backward look or a view into the past 

Retrospect

The most appropriate one-word substitution for "a backward look or a view into the past" is retrospect.

• Retrospect means a backward look or view into the past.
• Prelude means an introduction to something, especially a musical composition.
• Epilogue means a concluding part of a literary work, especially a play or poem.
• Time-travel means traveling through time to different points in the past or future.