Nabokov, Vladimir (Gogol, Nikolai)

Nikolai Gogol

Paris, France: La Table Ronde, 1953. First French Edition. Softcover. A critical-biographical study of the great Russian writer Nikolai (Vasilyevich) Gogol (1809-1852) by Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977), the canonical Russian-American author whose exquisitely intricate works are being enshrined in the Library of America series. First published in English in the USA during 1944, here we offer the first French-language edition of 1953, translated from English into French by Marcelle Sibon. Softcover in sewn binding with publisher's clear glassine jacket over wrappers, first edition thus, first printing of November 7, 1953 per colophon. A previous seller notes in pencil at blank front endpaper that this is a "Review Copy," although we cannot find any printed reference to this status. All text in French. An important nonfictional work in the glorious Nabokov oeuvre, in a very rare form for serious collector-scholars & completists. In relatively fine condition with light rubbing, browning, faint scratching & occasional spotting to front, back covers & spine; slight wear & some tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same; mild rubbing & moderate browning to edges of text block (all untrimmed as issued). Interior fine with mild-to-moderate browning to blank inner covers, endpapers & all page leaves (the latter mostly at blank margins/edges); pencil marginalia of previous seller at blank front endpaper & inner rear cover (which we have retained to provide further possible hints as to its "Review Copy" status). Publisher's fragile glassine jacket in relatively fair-to-good condition with moderate-to-extensive rubbing, creasing, scratching; several chips & closed tears with slight loss of paper esp. at lower edge of front cover. Fine. [Item #5721]

Price: $150.00