Box 5

Scope and Contents

5 TLS, in French, discussing various contractual matters, especially the tangled question of the contract with Table Rond and VN's relationship with Gallimard. Some discussion of translation.

Scope and Contents

3 TLS with contract attached, in French, concerning the contract with Table Rond which has been complicated by a prior contract with Gallimard. Autograph annotations.

Scope and Contents

6 TLS, in French, written mostly from various points west of Ithaca, concerning the contract with Table Rond, the American publication of The Defense, and the translation of The Gift (Vladimir pressing as always for Jarl Priel, somewhat to Véra's amusement). Some autograph annotations.

Scope and Contents

4 TLS, in French, concerning the translation of Despair, Conclusive Evidence and The Gift, and the possibility of publishing a new novel outside the US if "moral considerations" prevent its publication within the States.

Scope and Contents 5 TLS, in French, mostly concerning the publication of Lolita with Olympia, especially Girodias' suggestion that all French in the original be cut, the future French translation of the novel, and VN's concern over the copyright and G.'s tardiness in sending proofs. Discussion of contractual and translation matters involving other works, including Laughter in the Dark, The Defense, ...

Scope and Contents

8 TLS, in French, mostly concerning Lolita, including the positive reviews by Graham Greene and Harvey Breit (cites portions of the latter's review in The New York Times Book Review), as well as the American publication rights. Some discussion of the growing rift between Girodias and VN.

Scope and Contents 5 TLS, in English and French, mainly regarding negotiations with American firms for the publication of Lolita. Expresses her and her husband's concern that Girodias has apparently deceived Ergaz about the existence of a clause that would have prohibited G. from negotiating contracts for Lolita. without VN's consent. Asserts inevitability of prosecution when Lolita. is published in the States, and reminds Ergaz...

Scope and Contents 6 TLS, in English and French, concerning issues surrounding the American publication of Lolita (including the publication of a portion in The Anchor Review), Girodias' plan of importing copies of Lolita. into the U.S., and negotiations with a German firm over the rights to other works. Véra expresses astonishment that the authorities cannot distinguish between a "masterpiece like ...

Scope and Contents

6 TLS, concerning the American publication of Lolita (by June, Doubleday has made an offer), and detailing the continuing contract woes with Girodias. Also discusses contractual and translation matters around Pnin, and Invitation. Brief discussion of the French translator for Lolita (VN has been reading samples).

Scope and Contents

6 TLS, in French and English, discussing contracts and negotiations with foreign publishing houses (Rowohlt, SUR etc). Letter (7.30.57) discussing Girodias' obnoxious demands re the American publication of Lolita