Lolita. by NABOKOV, Vladimir - 1955

Paris: The Olympia Press,, 1955. 2 volumes, octavo. Original green and white wrappers printed in black. Spines a touch toned and creased as often, a little wear to ends of spines, a couple of minor creases and marks to wrappers, extremities rubbed, otherwise clean, the binding tight, and without ownership marks. A fresh set, uncommon in such nice condition. First edition, first printing, first issue, of one of the most notorious and controversial books of the 20th century, published three years before the American edition and four before the London edition. Lolita was originally published with a price of "Francs : 900" printed on the rear covers, but a sudden currency fluctuation meant that the books had to be re-priced to 1,200 francs. Copies of the first issue appear either without a price change, as on the second volume, or with the bookseller's hand-written correction, as on the first volume. The second issue appeared with the publisher's overprice sticker to the rear covers.