Lot 123
  • 123

Nabokov, Vladimir.

Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
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Description

  • Two works:
Lolita. Jerusalem: Steimatzky's Agency for the Olympia Press, 1955 [1958], first israeli, first single volume and first hardcover edition of one of the most controversial novels of modern times, 2 volumes in one, original blue leather-textured paper-covered boards, dust-jacket (lower flap stamped "1772"), slight offsetting to endpapers, jacket slightly chipped (missing piece at the base of the spine) and browned; [in Russian:] Sirin, V. Vozvrashchenie Chorba: razskazy i stiki [The Return of Chorb: stories and poems]. Berlin: Slovo, 1930, first edition of the author's first short story collection, original quarter brown cloth, paper covered boards, brown marbled endpapers, browned, some leaves slightly stained, spine and covers worn; 8vo (2)

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

the scarce first hardcover and first single volume edition of one of the most controversial novels of modern times. The Israeli edition of Lolita, which also came out in a wrappered version (in a total edition of 2,000 copies), was the first English-language edition released after the 1955 edition published by Maurice Girodias at his Olympia Press in Paris. The novel was not published in the UK or America until 1959. The second work is Nabokov's rare and highly acclaimed first short story collection, written in Russian, also containing 24 poems.