Box 2

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Written from Sedona AZ, in English, concerning payment by Steimatzki, with whom VN insists he has not signed a contract. Asserts that any English-language edition of Lolita published in Israel is a "separate issue of the Olympia edition", and therefore he will accept Steimatzki's check as a payment from Olympia.

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Probably written from Arizona, in French, concerning the botched translation of the acrostic that ends Vane Sisters. Outlines course of action VN wishes Nadeau to follow in this matter, and includes demand for payment for Les Lettres Nouvelles's unauthorized 1957 reproduction of a Lolita fragment.

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Written from Hotel Park Cresecent, 87th and Riverside Drive, New York, in English, concerning the Grasset matter, especially a new contract for Laughter in the Dark. The VNs' are to set sail for Europe (Switzerland, England, France) on September 25.

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Not addressed, but probably written in New York, in English, citing a lawyer's opinion regarding Olympia's rights in Lolita. VN wishes attention drawn to the last paragraph of the opinion, which states that negotiations and contracts for foreign language publication are no concern of Olympia's. Notes existence of gaudy and pirated Turkish edition of Lolita, and wonders what can be done about it. Some markings in pen.

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Written from Hôtel Astoria, Menton, in French, concerning a legal dispute between Girodias and Mme. Hummel over the rights to foreign language publications of Lolita that would affect payments by Erhaz to Olympia. Denies that Olympia has the right to publish a paperback edition of Lolita, and reiterates that he is distinctly opposed to Ergaz showing VN's contracts to Olympia. Some pencil markings.

Scope and Contents Written from 57 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, in French, demanding that Ergaz cease legal proceedings against Girodias as VN had asked in an earlier telegram. Cannot see why things cannot be resolved without lawyers ("Simple comme bonjour"). Believes himself to be in the right, but finds that it will cost too much (financially and in terms of his work) to achieve the ideal result (i.e. a complete break with Olympia). Demands clarification of Ergaz's reference to possible unknown "pocketbook"...

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Written from Nice, in French, copy of 2-16.

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Written from 57 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, in French, regretting that it is proving so difficult to resolve matters, but asking Ergaz to note that the wishes of Girodias are of no concern to VN and that proceedings be started to force Olympia to render account. Underlining in pen.

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Written from 57 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, in French, asking his agents to retain all money owing Olympia while Olympia continues to withold money owing VN. Asks the agents to consider this letter a formal declaration.

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Written from 57 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, in French, attesting that the original edition of his work entitled Lolita is the one published in English by Olympia Press.