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Lolita.
by NABOKOV, Vladimir
- Used
- Hardcover
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
London, United Kingdom
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons,, [1958]. First US edition, first printing, with the publisher's advertisement and a contemporary review by Elizabeth Janeway, both from the 24 August 1958 issue of the New York Times, loosely inserted. Nabokov's masterpiece was first published in Paris in 1955. The present edition marks the first full appearance of Lolita in the US (part of it had been excerpted in the Anchor Review in 1957), where it topped best-seller lists on publication, selling 100,000 copies in the first few weeks. This edition contains some minor textual revisions from the Paris edition and a new afterword, in which Nabokov recounts his difficulties having the book published in America. Octavo. Original black quarter cloth, spine lettered in gilt, grey and white patterned paper boards, red endpapers, top edge red, fore edge untrimmed, bottom edge trimmed. With dust jacket. Head of spine lightly bumped, hint of rubbing to boards, half-title browned from inserted pieces, contents otherwise clean; jacket a little rubbed and nicked, unclipped: a very good copy in very good jacket.
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
- Peter Harrington
(GB)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 165974
- Title
- Lolita.
- Author
- NABOKOV, Vladimir
- Book Condition
- Used
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Place of Publication
- New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons,
- Date Published
- [1958]
Terms of Sale
Peter Harrington
All major credit cards are accepted. Both UK pounds and US dollars (exchange rate to be agreed) accepted. Books may be returned within 14 days of receipt for any reason, please notify first of returned goods.
About the Seller
Peter Harrington
Biblio member since 2006
London
About Peter Harrington
Since its establishment, Peter Harrington has specialised in sourcing, selling and buying the finest quality original first editions, signed, rare and antiquarian books, fine bindings and library sets. Peter Harrington first began selling rare books from the Chelsea Antiques Market on London's King's Road. For the past twenty years the business has been run by Pom Harrington, Peter's son.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Octavo
- Another of the terms referring to page or book size, octavo refers to a standard printer's sheet folded four times, producing...
- Fore Edge
- The portion of a book that is opposite the spine. That part of a book which faces the wall when shelved in a traditional...
- Rubbing
- Abrasion or wear to the surface. Usually used in reference to a book's boards or dust-jacket.
- 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....
- G
- Good describes the average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects must be noted. (as defined by AB...
- Gilt
- The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...
- Jacket
- Sometimes used as another term for dust jacket, a protective and often decorative wrapper, usually made of paper which wraps...
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