Description
Book SynopsisOne of the most fascinating and controversial novels of the twentieth century, Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita" is renowned for its innovative style and notorious for its subject matter and influence on popular culture. This book guides readers through the intricacies of Nabokov's work and helps them achieve a better understanding of his rich artistic design. The book opens with a detailed chronology of Nabokov's life and literary career. Chapters include an analysis of the novel, a discussion of its precursors in Nabokov's work and in world literature, an essay on the character of Dolly Haze (Humbert's "Lolita"), and a commentary on the critical and cultural afterlife of the novel. The volume concludes with an annotated bibliography of selected critical reading. The guide should prove illuminating both for first-time readers of "Lolita" and for experienced re-readers of Nabokov's text.
Trade Review"The importance of this book lies in the way it succinctly summarizes critical viewpoints yet provides a fresh and accessible interpretation of the novel… [Connolly] never claims to give a definitive reading of the book, only to try to help readers "grasp the full complexity and sweep of Nabokov's unique creation" (p.1), which he admirably achieves." -- Jason Merrill, Michigan State University * The Russian Review *
Table of ContentsAbbreviations. Chronology of Nabokov’s Life and Career. Chronology of Lolita. Preface. Chapter One. The Creation of Lolita. Notes. Chapter Two. The Precursors of Lolita. Notes. Chapter Three. Approaching Lolita. Notes. Chapter Four. Who Was Dolly Haze? Notes. Chapter Five. Humbert’s Memoir, Nabokov’s Novel: A Reader’s Analysis. Foreword. Part One. Part Two. Notes. Chapter Six. Lolita’s Afterlife: Critical and Cultural Responses. Critical Reception. Cultural Responses. Notes. A Guide to Further Reading in English. Index.
