Nabokov, Vladimir

Look at the Harlequins!

ISBN: 0070457387
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1974. First Edition. Hardcover. "I met the first of my three or four successive wives in somewhat odd circumstances, the development of which resembled a clumsy conspiracy, with nonsensical details and a main plotter who not only knew nothing of its real object but insisted on making inept moves that seemed to preclude the slightest possibility of success. Yet out of those very mistakes he unwittingly wove a web, in which a set of reciprocal blunders on my part caused me to get involved and fulfill the destiny that was the only aim of the plot." (first sentence, pg. 3) The final novel published during the lifetime of Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977), the canonical Russian-American writer whose dazzlingly intricate works are in the process of enshrinement in the Library of America. The semi-autobiographical (or parodic) story here is narrated by the author's stand-in, one Vadim Vadimovich N. a/k/a "V.V." Hardcover in unclipped dust jacket, first edition, we believe all-but-certainly a first printing with line on copyright page: "123456789BPBP798654." Interestingly, as with other of Nabokov's late works issued by this publisher (including item No. 4480), there is no flap copy, only price reference, photo credit etc., adding, as it were through omission, to the elusive puzzle of the novel. With dust jacket back cover image of a brooding Nabokov by the iconic photographer Philippe Halsman. The final classic in the always most-collectible Nabokov canon. Book in very fine condition with only a bit of wear to edges & corners of black-cloth front, back covers & spine (the latter with red lettering completely bright & intact); several tiny spots, non-penetrating dimples at front cover (not significantly effecting embossed author/ title); mild rubbing, mild-to-moderate spotting to upper edge of text block; much less at side & lower edges of same. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps, creases at upper corners/ edges of a few page leaves; otherwise substantially mint. Dust jacket fine with mild-to-moderate rubbing, scratching, occasional spotting & a touch of browning to front, back covers, spine & flaps; light wear & some tiny bumps, creases at thin edges & corners of same; several tiny chips with very slight loss of paper at upper edges & corners; thin area of tape repair to upper right edge/ corner of front cover. Very Fine / Fine. [Item #4568]

Price: $60.00