Vladimir Nabokov — Lolita

Paris, The Olympia Press, 1961. Paperback. An early edition of Nabokov's controversial novel, this copy being from the library of the founder of the Virago Press, Carmen Callil. A lovely literary association copy, from the library of Carmen Callil, signed by her to the recto of the front endpaper. Carmen Callil was an Australian publisher who founded Virago Press in 1973, to "publish books which celebrated women and women's lives, and which would, by so doing, spread the message of women's liberation to the whole population". Virago publish works by new and neglected female authors, publishing the works by authors such as Daphne du Maurier, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Margaret Atwood, and Angela Carter, all with a distinctive green spine synonymous with Virago.'Lolita' is one of the most controversial novels ever published, and is considered to be a classic of the twentieth century. This is a Paris edition, published by the Olympia Press, who published the first edition of this work in 1955, after it had been rejected by publishers in America.The novel is narrated by the unreliable Humbert Humbert, who becomes obsessed with his step-daughter, the twelve year old Dolores Haze. Humbert dubs Dolores 'Lolita', and begins a sexual relationship with her after marrying her mother, Charlotte. Charlotte is later killed in a car accident, after which Humbert takes Dolores travelling across the country.Written by Vladimir Nabokov, who is best known for this work.Eight pages of adverts to the rear. In the original publisher's paper wraps. Externally, generally smart, a little worn and rubbed, mostly to the spine. Small tears to the head and tail of the joints. Hinges are starting but firm. Ink inscription and stamp to the recto of the front endpaper. Internally, generally firmly bound. Pages are age-toned and clean. Good . Ill.: None. Good .