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Lolita.

Lolita.

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Lolita.

by NABOKOV, Vladimir

  • Used
  • first
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Seller rating:
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London, London, United Kingdom
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About This Item

Paris, The Olympia Press, 1955. . First edition, second issue; 2 vols, 8vo; publisher's green, white and black printed wrappers, light wear to spine tips and corners, faint finger soiling to rear wrappers, one corner crease, with the stickers (chipped on vol.II) altering the price to '1200 Francs' affixed to the rear covers, a very good set.
Nabokov's controversial novel was rejected by American publishers, but was finally accepted by the avant-garde Olympia Press in Paris and published in this two-volume edition. The novel was first brought to a wider English public by Graham Greene who selected it as one of his books of the year in an article in the Sunday Times newspaper. In 1956, John Gordon, editor of the Sunday Express, responded by calling it 'the filthiest book I have ever read. Sheer unrestrained pornography', thus ensuring its enduring notoriety, and a ban in America and Britain until 1958.

Synopsis

Lolita is widely regarded as one of the greatest books of the 20th Century. The cultural influence of Lolita cannot be understated, and numerous editions have been printed since 1955. The book has been made into movies, plays, and has sparked countless conversations about relationships and the nature of obsession. Even the covers of the later editions have sparked controversy, as they feature potentially suggestive depictions of the famous "nymphet". Unsurprisingly, Lolita is often at the top of banned books lists in high schools.

Read More: Identifying first editions of Lolita.

Reviews

On Aug 26 2014, a reader said:
Vladimir Nabokov's postmodern masterpiece about a man's obsession with a young girl is nothing short of remarkable. Not only does Nabokov situate the story within the context of Cold War America, but he has the ability to make the reader sympathise with an otherwise immoral character. Through Nabokov's lyrical, poetic and deceptive writing, the story becomes at once comical and poignant. Underneath all the amusing and colourful metaphors and allusions to American popular culture is a deeply affecting story about obsession, innocence and unrequited love. As with Jack Kerouac's On The Road, the theme of 'the journey' is strongly emphasised throughout, as the lead character descends deeper into madness as he and his step-daughter travel around America. A cult classic and must-read, Lolita is the work of genius.

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Details

Bookseller
Shapero Rare Books GB (GB)
Bookseller's Inventory #
107906
Title
Lolita.
Author
NABOKOV, Vladimir
Book Condition
Used
Place of Publication
Paris, The Olympia Press, 1955.

Terms of Sale

Shapero Rare Books

30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.

About the Seller

Shapero Rare Books

Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Biblio member since 2020
London, London

About Shapero Rare Books

Specialising in rare books on Travel & Voyages, Natural History, Literature (including modern first editions), Children's Books, Guide Books, Judaica & Hebraica, titles of Russian interest, and Islamica.

Glossary

Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:

First Edition
In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
Spine
The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
Wrappers
The paper covering on the outside of a paperback. Also see the entry for pictorial wraps, color illustrated coverings for...

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