Vladimir Nabokov: Selected Letters, 1940-1977

by Vladimir Nabokov and Dmitri Nabokov

Book Overview

Over four hundred letters chronicle the author's career, recording his struggles in the publishing world, the battles over "Lolita," and his relationship with his wife. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0151641900
• ISBN13: 9780151641901
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt P
• Length: 582 Pages
• Weight: 2.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Sharp. Funny. Exciting.

I have never read Lolita, and I don't know if I will. But I can certainly see now that it was written by a great writer who cared about his work and his family. Who would expect a book of "selected letters" to be a page-turner? But it is. Nabokov's example of hard work, uncompromising attention to detail (what other kind is there? I'm sure he would ask), respect for knowledge, humility when ignorant, and warmth towards family and friends is a pleasure to read. Also an education, whether it be about scientific naming of butterflies, or about the wide variety of Nabokov's writings -- whoever thinks Lolita is not for them can choose from other stories, poetry, or a literal prose translation of Eugene Onegin. P.s. Letters collected, arranged, and translated as necessary by his loving and loved son. How nice, then, that I rediscovered this book on my shelf, marked with a birthday present note from my father, waiting for when I had the time to read it. Thanks, Dad!