Eleven of the 65 short stories by the exiled Russian master see their English-language debut here. (Jan.)

Presented here are 65 stories from the master, the author of one of the best and strangest novels in the history of fiction-Pale Fire-as well as Lolita, Ada, Pnin, et al. Thirteen of these stories appear here for the first time in book form, although these early pieces are of less interest than the later ones, which contain all the linguistic and psychological twists for which Nabokov is famous. The earliest stories date from the 1920s and the latest from the 1950s, when Nabokov abandoned the form. Because of the editorial care taken by Nabokov's son Dmitri, this should appeal even to libraries fortunate enough still to own the earlier collections (Nabokov's Dozen, 1984; A Russian Beauty & Other Stories, 1973; Tyrants Destroyed & Other Stories, 1975; and Details of a Sunset & Other Stories, 1976). One could hope that a new movie version of Lolita currently in production will rekindle interest in Nabokov. An essential purchase.-Robert E. Brown, Onondaga Cty. P.L., Syracuse, N.Y.

In this sumptuous volume of 65 stories...the reader is treated to a recapitulation of the sorcerer's entire career. His fascination with the illusive transactions made between life and art, his obsession with memory and the practice of nostalgia, his own experience of expatriation, and his love of games of puzzles and coincidence -- all can be found in these pages. -- The New York Times

"What startling beauty phrase, twist of thought, depth of sorrow and burst of wit!...It was Navakov's gift to bring Paradise wherever he alighted." -- The New York Times Book Review

"In this sumptious volume of 65 stories...the reader is treated to a recapitulation of the Sorcerer's entire career. His fascination with illusive transactions made between life and art, his obsession with memory and the practice of nostalgia, his own experience of expatriation, and his love of games and puzzels and coincidence -- all can be found in these pages." -- The New York Times

"A startling, close view of a writer's development..There is an unequal pleasure (in) submitting to Navakov in full flow, when his words boil like a witches brew of music and sex...This collection marks a crucial move in the endless game of trying to fathom Navakov." -- The New Yorker

"An authentic literary event...a welcome addition to the shelves of old and mirue. An chance for intrigue - level fans to sample the author's real life...(with) some of the most nape-tingling prose and devilish inventions in it twentieth-century letters." -- Time

The short stories of Vladimir Nabokov, varied and often strange to the unfamiliar ear, are complex in conception and execution. In audio form, these 65 stories benefit greatly from Arthur Morey’s steady, firmly paced delivery and general lack of affectation. This fine production excels in clarity and consistency of voice, and in all-around good judgment regarding what would make an audio production of this particular collection accessible and pleasurable. The only fault here is that it’s sometimes difficult to mark the break from one story to the next. Nabokov’s gift for word images is at its most wondrous in this wide-ranging collection of stories, many of them gems, all of them unique. Commuters and multi-taskers, beware: This title is recommended for quiet, focused listening. D.A.W. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine