Conversations with Vladimir Nabokov

by Robert Golla (Editor)

Overview

This volume brings together candid, revealing interviews with one of the twentieth century's master prose writers. Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977) was a Russian American scientist, poet, translator, and professor of literature. Critics throughout the world celebrated him for developing the luminous and enigmatic style which advanced the boundaries of modern literature more than any author since James Joyce. In a career that spanned over six decades, he produced dozens of iconic works, including Lolita, Pale Fire, Ada, and his classic autobiography, Speak, Memory.

The twenty-eight interviews and profiles in this collection were drawn from Nabokov's numerous print and broadcast appearances over a period of nineteen years. Beginning with the controversy surrounding the American publication of Lolita in 1958, he offers trenchant, witty views on society, literature, education, the role of the author, and a range of other topics. He discusses the numerous literary and symbolic allusions in his work, his use of parody and satire, as well as analyses of his own literary influences.

Nabokov also provided a detailed portrait of his life--from his aristocratic childhood in pre-revolutionary Russia, education at Cambridge, apprenticeship as an emigre writer in the capitals of Europe, to his decision in 1940 to immigrate to the United States, where he achieved renown and garnered an international readership. The interviews in this collection are essential for seeking a clearer understanding of the life and work of an author who was pivotal in shaping the landscape of contemporary fiction.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781496810953
Publisher:	University Press of Mississippi
Publication date:	04/06/2017
Series:	Literary Conversations Series
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Robert Golla, Surprise, Arizona, is editor of several nonfiction publications, including The Greatest Speeches of World War II, Champions of Liberty: A Treasury of Conservative American Speeches, Conservative Wit, and Conversations with Michael Crichton, published by University Press of Mississippi.

Table of Contents

Introduction x

Chronology xiv

The Author of Lolita-an Unhurried View Martha MacGregor / 1958 3

Author of Lolita Airs Views on Censorship, Role of Artist Gladys Kessler / 1958 3

Vladimir Nabokov and Lionel Trilling Discuss Lolita Pierre Berton / 1958 10

What Hath Lolita Wrought? Edward E. Van Dyne / 1958 16

My Child Lolita Alan Nordstrom / 1959 16

An Absence of Wood Nymphs Robert H. Boyle / 1959 21

The Author of Lolita Neil Hickey / 1959 27

Nabokov John Coleman / 1959 30

Vladimir Nabokov Discusses Lolita Kerry Ellard / 1959 34

After Lolita: A Conversation with Vladimir Nabokov-with Digressions John G. Hayman / 1959 41

The Man Who Scandalized the World Helen Lawrenson / 1960 47

V. Nabokov Unresting Phyllis Meras / 1962 59

Vladimir Nabokov on his Life and Work Peter Duval Smith / 1962 62

Playboy Interview: Vladimir Nabokov Alvin Toffler / 1964 70

On the Banks of Lake Léman: Mr. Nabokov Reflects on Lolita and Onegin Douglas M. Davis / 1964 90

USA: The Novel-Vladimir Nabokov Robert Hughes / 1965 94

Nabokov Penelope Gilliatt / 1966 100

The Artist in Pursuit of Butterflies Herbert Gold / 1967 100

An Interview with Vladimir Nabokov Alfred Appel Jr. / 1967 120

Vladimir Nabokov: The Art of Fiction XL Herbert Gold / 1967 143

"To be Kind, to be Proud, to be Fearless"-Vladimir Nabokov in Conversation with James Mossman James Mossman / 1969 155

Nabokov: A Portrait Alfred Appel Jr, / 1971 161

Understanding Vladimir Nabokov-A Red Autumn Leaf is a Red Autumn Leaf, Not a Deflowered Nymphet Alan Levy / 1971 180

An Interview with Vladimir Nabokov Mati Laansoo / 1973 195

Checking in with Vladimir Nabokov Gerald Clarke / 1975 200

Vladimir Nabokov on the Loose Hugh A. Mulligan / 1977 212

A Blush of Color-Nabokov in Montreux Robert Robinson / 1977 220

VN-RIP William F. Buckley Jr. / 1977 225

Index 229