Vladimir Nabokov: Selected Letters, 1940-1977

I have never read Lolita, and I don't know if I will. But I can certainly see now that it was written by a great writer who cared about his work and his family. Who would expect a book of "selected letters" to be a page-turner? But it is. Nabokov's example of hard work, uncompromising attention to detail (what other kind is there? I'm sure he would ask), respect for knowledge, humility when ignorant, and warmth towards family and friends is a pleasure to read. Also an education, whether it be about scientific naming of butterflies, or about the wide variety of Nabokov's writings -- whoever thinks Lolita is not for them can choose from other stories, poetry, or a literal prose translation of Eugene Onegin. P.s. Letters collected, arranged, and translated as necessary by his loving and loved son. How nice, then, that I rediscovered this book on my shelf, marked with a birthday present note from my father, waiting for when I had the time to read it. Thanks, Dad!