2 Vols. : The First Issue

Nabokov, Vladimir ~ Lolita : An Exceptional Set Of The First Issue

The Olympia Press, Paris : 1955

2 Vols. Set. The First Printing in English published by The Olympia Press, Paris in 1955. The correct first issue with ‘Francs : 900’ printed on the rear cover of each volume with no evidence of price sticker removal or erasures. Lolita was initially published with 'Francs: 900' printed on the rear covers, but a sudden currency fluctuation at the time of publication (or according to another opinion, due to high sales that spurred the publisher) necessitated a repricing to 1,200 francs. Two volumes. with no pagination to pages 11-12 in vol.1, as noted by Juliar. The BOOKS are in exceptional near Fine condition. Original green wraps. With only very slight creasing and rubbing to the wrappers; lightly toned spines; slight lean to Vol.1; Free from inscriptions. Housed in a handsome Wyvern Bindery custom solander box. The first appearance of Nabokov's still controversial novel from Maurice Girodias's pioneering, Paris-based publishers ‘The Olympia Press’. Nabokov completed 'Lolita' in December 1953, but faced rejection from several American publishers unwilling to take on the novel due to fears of negative repercussions from publishing what they considered a 'pornographic' work. Consequently, he sought a publisher in Paris, and in 1955, 'The Olympia Press' printed 5 000 copies of the novel. Shortly after, customs officials in the UK were instructed to seize copies of the book at the border. A year later, under pressure from the British government, 'Lolita' was banned in France as well. Despite widespread censorship, the book's success remained undiminished. Upon its eventual publication in the USA in 1958, it quickly climbed to the top of bestseller lists, selling 100 000 copies in the first few weeks. An exceptional set of one of the 20th century’s highlight titles.

BINDING: Wraps
CONDITION: Near Fine