Vladimir Nabokov ​

Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov was a Russian-American novelist, poet, translator, and lepidopterist. His first nine novels were in Russian, but he achieved international prominence after he began writing English prose. His best-known work is Lolita, which sparked controversy and faced bans upon release due to its theme but is now regarded a classic piece of literature.

Quick Facts ​

• His novel Lolita is his most famous and controversial.
• His novels were initially not very successful in the United States, but gained popularity over time.
• His writing style is characterized by elaborate wordplay and intricate detail.
• Many of his works were translated from his native Russian to English, often by his son.
• Despite working primarily in English later in his career, he is considered one of the greatest Russian writers of the 20th century.

Background ​

Nabokov was born into a wealthy and prominent family in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1899. He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, and began writing poetry at an early age. In 1922, his father was assassinated and the family was forced to flee Russia, settling in Berlin. There, Nabokov began to gain notoriety as a writer. His first novel, Mary, was published in 1926.

In 1940, he moved to America and began teaching Russian literature at Wellesley College and later, Cornell University. His most famous novel, Lolita, was published in France in 1955 and in America in 1958, which made him a literary sensation. Nabokov returned to Europe in 1961 and continued to write until his death in 1977. His works are noted for their complex structures, clever wordplay, and innovative use of language.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Nabokov's writing style is marked by complex linguistic play and elaborate word games. His works are noted for their stunningly intricate prose, clever puns, and unexpected shifts in language and reality. His unique narrative style often involves the use of unreliable narrators, detailed descriptions, and intertextual references. His work is celebrated for its artistry, depth and its profound reflection on the nature of art and reality. His towering presence in the 20th-century literature marks him as one of the most acclaimed and influential writers of his era.

Notable Works ​

• Lolita (1955)
• Pnin (1957)
• Pale Fire (1962)
• Ada or Ardor: A Family Chronicle (1969)
• Transparent Things (1972)
• Speak, Memory (1951, revised 1966)