Vladimir Nabokov

Vladimir Nabokov

Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov (Russian: Влади́мир Влади́мирович Набо́ков, ; 22 April 1899c – 2 July 1977) was a Russian American novelist. Nabokov's first nine novels were in Russian. He then rose to international prominence as a writer of English prose. He also made serious contributions as a lepidopterist and chess composer.

Nabokov's Lolita (1955) is his most famous novel, and often considered his finest work in English. It exhibits the love of intricate word play and synesthetic detail that characterised all his works. The novel was ranked at No. 4 in the list of the Modern Library 100 Best Novels. Pale Fire (1962) was ranked at No. 53 on the same list. His memoir, Speak, Memory, was listed No. 8 on the Modern Library nonfiction list.

Read more about Vladimir Nabokov:  Work, Nabokov's Synesthesia, Entomology, Chess Problems, Politics, Influence

Famous quotes by vladimir nabokov:

    The train was crammed, the heat stifling. We feel out of sorts, but do not quite know if we are hungry or drowsy. But when we have fed and slept, life will regain its looks, and the American instruments will make music in the merry cafe described by our friend Lange. And then, sometime later, we die.
    Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)

    Rereading this novel today, replaying the moves of its plot, I feel rather like Anderssen fondly recalling his sacrifice of both Rooks to the unfortunate and noble Kieseritsky—who is doomed to accept it over and over again through an infinity of textbooks, with a question mark for monument.
    Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)

    Style and Structure are the essence of a book; great ideas are hogwash.
    Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)

    There are aphorisms that, like airplanes, stay up only while they are in motion.
    Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)

    ‘Next time,’ said the Inventor, ‘a woman will be added. Beauty is easy to render because beauty is based on the rendering of beauty, but we are still working on her hips, we want her to roll them, and that is difficult.’
    Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)