39 Facts About Vladimir Nabokov

Early Life and Family

Vladimir Nabokov, a literary genius, had a fascinating early life that shaped his future works. Here are some intriguing facts about his beginnings and family background.

1. 01Born on April 22, 1899, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Nabokov came from an aristocratic family.
2. 02His father, Vladimir Dmitrievich Nabokov, was a prominent liberal politician and journalist.
3. 03Nabokov's mother, Elena Ivanovna Rukavishnikova, was a cultured woman who introduced him to literature and the arts.
4. 04The Nabokov family spoke multiple languages at home, including Russian, English, and French.
5. 05Nabokov had four siblings: Sergey, Kirill, Elena, and Olga.
6. 06The family fled Russia after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, eventually settling in Western Europe.

Education and Early Career

Nabokov's education and early career were marked by academic excellence and a passion for literature. These experiences laid the groundwork for his future success.

7. 07Nabokov attended the prestigious Tenishev School in Saint Petersburg.
8. 08He later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned a degree in Slavic and Romance languages.
9. 09While at Cambridge, Nabokov published his first collection of poems, "Stikhi," in 1916.
10. 10After graduating, he moved to Berlin, where he began writing under the pseudonym Vladimir Sirin.
11. 11Nabokov's early works were written in Russian and published in émigré journals.
12. 12He also worked as a tennis and boxing coach to support himself during his early career.

Literary Achievements

Nabokov's literary achievements are vast and varied, spanning multiple genres and languages. His works continue to captivate readers worldwide.

13. 13Nabokov's first novel, "Mary," was published in 1926.
14. 14He gained international fame with the publication of "Lolita" in 1955.
15. 15"Lolita" was initially rejected by several publishers due to its controversial subject matter.
16. 16Nabokov's novel "Pale Fire" (1962) is considered a masterpiece of postmodern literature.
17. 17He wrote his memoir, "Speak, Memory," which provides a detailed account of his early life and family.
18. 18Nabokov translated several of his works from Russian to English, including "The Defense" and "Invitation to a Beheading."

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his literary career, Nabokov had a rich personal life filled with unique interests and hobbies. These aspects of his life often influenced his writing.

19. 19Nabokov married Vera Slonim in 1925, and she became his lifelong companion and literary assistant.
20. 20The couple had one son, Dmitri, born in 1934.
21. 21Nabokov was an avid lepidopterist, studying and collecting butterflies throughout his life.
22. 22He discovered several new species of butterflies and even had a species named after him: Nabokov's Pug.
23. 23Nabokov was a synesthete, meaning he could perceive letters and numbers as having specific colors.
24. 24He enjoyed playing chess and composed several chess problems, which were published in various magazines.

Later Years and Legacy

Nabokov's later years were marked by continued literary success and a lasting legacy that endures to this day. His influence on literature remains profound.

25. 25Nabokov and his family moved to the United States in 1940 to escape the turmoil of World War II.
26. 26He taught literature at Wellesley College and Cornell University.
27. 27Nabokov became a U.S. citizen in 1945.
28. 28He wrote several of his most famous works while living in the United States, including "Lolita," "Pnin," and "Pale Fire."
29. 29Nabokov and his family moved to Switzerland in 1961, where he continued to write until his death.
30. 30He passed away on July 2, 1977, in Montreux, Switzerland.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Nabokov's life was filled with quirky and lesser-known facts that add depth to his fascinating persona. Here are some fun tidbits about the author.

31. 31Nabokov once turned down an invitation to meet Sigmund Freud, whom he disliked.
32. 32He was a passionate fan of the game Scrabble and often played with his wife.
33. 33Nabokov's favorite food was truffles, and he had a particular fondness for French cuisine.
34. 34He had a deep-seated fear of dogs, stemming from a childhood incident.
35. 35Nabokov's writing process involved using index cards to organize his thoughts and plotlines.
36. 36He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, often spending years perfecting his novels.
37. 37Nabokov's favorite color was blue, which he often associated with happiness and creativity.
38. 38He once described himself as a "perfectly normal trilingual child in a perfectly normal trilingual family."
39. 39Nabokov's influence extends beyond literature; his work has inspired numerous films, plays, and adaptations.

Nabokov's Legacy

Vladimir Nabokov's life and work continue to fascinate readers and scholars. His unique blend of literary genius, scientific curiosity, and multilingual prowess sets him apart. From his controversial novel "Lolita" to his deep love for butterflies, Nabokov's diverse interests and talents make him a compelling figure. His ability to write in multiple languages and his contributions to both literature and science highlight his extraordinary intellect. Nabokov's legacy lives on through his novels, short stories, and scientific papers, inspiring future generations to explore the intersections of art and science. Whether you're a literature enthusiast or a science buff, Nabokov's story offers something for everyone. His life reminds us that curiosity and passion can lead to remarkable achievements. Dive into his works and discover the many layers of this multifaceted genius.