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Series V. Correspondence to and from Clairouin 1947-1977 [series]: |
| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
April 16, 1947
to
September 12, 1947
.
11 TL, in French, to VN (5), Grasset (2), Table Rond (1), Gallimard (1). Mostly regarding the film rights for
Laughter in the Dark, which VN has sold to an American company but which apparently belong to Grasset and Ergaz, and the placement of The Defense, Gogol and Invitation with French firms. Ergaz cites the current "crisis" as reason for the delay in so placing VN's works.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
October 21, 1947
to
April 26, 1949
.
9 TL, in French, from Ergaz to VN (4), VN (1), Albin Michel (1), Fayard (1), Jarl Priel (1). Letter from Jarl Priel to Ergaz asking after the publication status of
Invitation. Reiterates how much effort Ergaz is putting into getting VN's works published, but also notes the difficulty in publishing even works of the first order at this time (especially after a "very stupid article" by Sartre on the subject of one of VN's earlier works. Discusses some translation issues, including the fact that not all share the VNs' high opinion of Priel.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
May 10, 1949
to
August 1, 1949
.
7 TL, in French, to VN (6) and Albin Michel (1). Autograph note from Yvonne Davet enclosing a sample of her translation of
Sebastian Knight. Somewhat exasperated series of letters attempting to persuade VN that Ergaz is working hard on behalf of his remarkable work, and that it is truly difficult to find editors willing to publish new work at this time. Deals primarily with the contract (with Albin Michel) for Sebastian Knight.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
November 21, 1950
to
October 3, 1951
.
9 TL in French and English, to VN (8) and New Directions (1). Mostly regarding the French publication of
Sebastian Knight, delayed by the proposed publication of the novel in a magazine, La Table Rond, as well as the republication of The Defense. Ergaz tries to defend Davet against VN's "severe" criticisms, and wonders whether he is absolutely against using her for translation of Conclusive Evidence, as Ergaz feels Davet may be hurt by a refusal.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
October 26, 1951
to
February 15, 1952
.
11 TLS, to VN (5), Fayard (1), Grasset (2), Plon (3, one of which is a copy), in French. Mostly regarding the contract with Table Rond/Plon for the publication of all of VN's works (or at least 5:
Conclusive Evidence, Gogol, Invitation, The Gift and The Defense), and the question of the film rights for Laughter in the Dark.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
March 27, 1952
to
July 26, 1952
.
12 TL, in French and German, to VeN (7), Fr. Schlaich (1), Büchergilde Gutenberg (1), M. de Venloo (1),
Les nouvelles litteraires (1), with copy of letter sent to VN by Gallimard. Regarding contract difficulties with Gallimard, who have refused options on Conclusive Evidence and Bend Sinister, yet apparently retain rights to all of VN's works, thus potentially fouling up the contract with Table Rond. Mentions the interest of an American publisher in The Defense.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
July 30, 1952
to
August 24, 1954
.
9 TL, in English and French, to VN (2), VeN (4), Table Rond (2), Julie Kernan (1). Mostly regarding various contractual, publication, and translation matters, especially the contract with Table Rond, and Marcelle Sibon's translation of
Gogol, for which VN submits an enormous list of corrections (to what Ergaz fears will be Sibon's embarrassment). In 8.24.54, Ergaz notes that she has forgotten to address the Nabokovs' questions about the "novel that Monsieur Nabokov cannot publish in America," but is very much interested in this novel and believes she knows a firm that has published works in English outside of both England and the US.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
February 8, 1955
to
June 15, 1955
.
8 TL with telegram message, in French and English, to VN. Mostly regarding the film rights to
Laughter in the Dark, and the contract with Girodias for Lolita. Ergaz, in introducing G. as a possible publisher, maintains that they need not worry about the quality of his firm's books, and mentions that Olympia has just published The Story of O. G. apparently not only thinks Lolita of immense literary value, but thinks it may help to alter society's attitude towards the "love described in Lolita" (5.13.55).
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
July 20, 1955
to
December 27, 1955
.
10 TL, in French, to VN. Mostly concerning the English publication of
Lolita (especially the question of copyright), as well as the need to find a French publisher for the novel (perhaps Pauvert, perhaps Gallimard). Ergaz is confident that G. will do well by Lolita, as he has gained a lot of experience through his publication of The Story of O. Also mentions the potential publication of The Defense by Le Club du Meilleur Livre and the launching of Conclusive Evidence in France.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
January 1956
to
June 27, 1956
.
9 TL, 1 statement, in French, to VN (3) and VeN (5), and Michele Manceaux of
L'Express (1). Mostly regarding the foreign translation and publication of Lolita (into French with Gallimard, Swedish with Bonnier, and Danish with Reitzel). Ergaz believes it important to publish Lolita. with a firm like Gallimard, as Pauvert (associated with Olympia) has a certain reputation based on its publication of works such as The Story of O (which Ergaz feels has no literary value). To Manceaux, who has just completed an article on Lolita. she writes that Lolita. is not a work of pornography, and is not about the love of an "old man" for a little girl, but rather a man's love for a woman (3.2.56). Ergaz is beginning to find G. slippery and untrustworthy.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
July 24, 1956
to
November 29, 1956
.
11 TL, to VN (5) and VeN (6), in French. Mostly regarding the publication of
Conclusive Evidence and The Defense by Table Rond, and foreign contracts for Lolita. Charts the beginning of the dispute between VN and Girodias over the matter of American publication. Among other things, G. tells Ergaz - falsely - that he is bound by the terms of his contract with VN not to negotiate contracts without VN's knowledge. Mentions potential publication of extracts of Lolita. in The Anchor Review.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
December 19, 1956
to
March 6, 1957
8 TL to VeN, with 1 statement, in French, regarding the ban on 20 books published by Olympia, including
Lolita. Notes especially the general outrage that a book so obviously non-pornographic as Lolita should have been banned. Much detail surrounding Girodias' actions, and response of the press, writers, editors to the government's actions.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
March 13, 1957
to
April 30, 1957
.
10 TL, to VN (5) and VeN (5), in French. Mostly regarding the publication of all of VN's works in French if not with Table Rond, which is in difficulties, then with Gallimard (VN is somewhat exasperated that his books are not appearing at a time when everybody is talking about him). Encourages VN to take up Girodias' offer and launch legal proceedings on behalf of
Lolita. (cites Graham Greene's support of such a plan). Also discusses Girodias' position(s) with regard to the publication of Lolita in the US (G. apparently does not believe that Doubleday will ever get up the courage to publish Lolita.). Discusses possible translators for Lolita. and foreign contracts with Rowohlt and Mondadori. Asks whether, as has been rumored, VN has decided to allow Doubleday (rather than Clairouin) to represent future works. Autograph postscript to 4.16.57.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
May 20, 1957
to
September 30, 1957
.
11 TL to VN (6) and VeN (5), in French. Mostly regarding the Girodias affair (includes assessments of G.'s character/personality), as well as foreign publication rights and the Kahane translation of
Lolita. Mentions possibility that Graham Greene may interest Bodley Head in Lolita.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
October 2, 1957
to
November 13, 1957
.
10 TL, to VN (5) and VeN (5), in French. Expresses first confusion over discrepancies between VN and G.'s accounts of their dispute, and then anger over G.'s behaviour. Ergaz consoles herself with the thought that there was no other publisher willing to launch
Lolita, and advises against attempting to announce the contract with Olympia ruptured, as Olympia has gained a great deal of sympathy with the literary community. Discusses foreign contracts for Lolita as well as the contracts with Gallimard for Conclusive Evidence and Pnin (which will be translated by Chrestien).
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
November 21, 1957
to
February 4, 1958
.
8 TL, in French, to VN (7) and VeN (1), with 1 statement, and a copy of a letter from Michel Mohrt to Eric Kahane (dated 11.15.57) concerning the
Lolita translation. Discusses slow pace of the Lolita translation, the contract with Gallimard for Pnin (to which VN objects), and the ongoing dispute with Girodias (Ergaz visits her lawyer friend Motulsky in early January, and he counsels against a legal proceeding seeking a rupture with Olympia).
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| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
February 21, 1958
to
June 23, 1958
.
10 TL, in French, to VN (3) and VeN (7), with 1 autograph calculation mostly concerning Gallimard's slow consideration of
Invitation, various foreign contracts for Lolita (especially for the British publication) as well as Kahane's translation of the novel (interrupted by illness), and Weidenfeld and Nicolson's offer to publish all of VN's works in England.
|
| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
June 26, 1958
to
October 15, 1958
.
11 TL, in French, to VN (1), VeN (9), and the VNs jointly (1), and 2 copies of an English telegram sent to VN. Regarding the negotiations with Bodley and Weidenfeld for the British publication of
Lolita (includes discussion of the firms' respective thoughts on the possibility of prosecution), the French translation of Lolita, and Gallimard's decision to publish Invitation.
|
| 7 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
October 17, 1958
to
November 14, 1958
.
10 TL, in French, to VN (1), VeN (7), the Mexican Cultural Attache (1), and 1 TL from the Cultural Attache to Ergaz. Discusses foreign contracts for
Lolita, as well as the pirated Mexican edition of Lolita. and the possibility of Rowohlt making an offer for more of VN's works (perhaps Invitation, The Defense and Sebastian Knight). Details Girodias' sudden demand that the British contract for Lolita include Calder, and the status of the new obscenity proceedings against Lolita.
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
November 15, 1958
to
December 31, 1958
.
15 TL, in French and English, to VeN, regarding foreign contracts for
Lolita, the ongoing obscenity proceedings against Lolita in France, and the contract with Gallimard for Invitation.
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
September 11, 1959
to
February 1, 1960
.
7 TL, in French, to VN (1), VeN (5), and Aydin Yayinevi (1), regarding foreign contracts for
Lolita and other novels, the film rights for Laughter in the Dark, the publication of some of VN's short stories, ("That in Aleppo Once", "Spring in Fialta"), and Gallimard's publication of VN's works (especially The Defense).
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
February 2, 1960
to
March 24, 1960
.
8 TL, in French, to VN (3), VeN (4), and Mondadori (1), with 1 statement, 1 autograph calculation, and 1 autograph record of a visit from VN. Discusses various contract and publication matters (including Gallimard's failure to send VN the final proofs of
Invitation and the contract for The Defense). Mentions Olympia's legal difficulties with Odette Hummel.
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
April 1960
to
June 3, 1960
.
7 TL, in French, to VN (1) and VeN (6), with 1 typed sheet with the Nabokovs' contact information for April 1960, and 1 autograph note. Mostly regarding foreign contracts for
Lolita, the contract with Gallimard for The Defense, and the translator for "That in Aleppo Once."
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
June 10, 1960
to
July 21, 1960
.
11 TL, in French and English to VN (3), VeN (5), G. Lallia (1), Rene Algrin (1), A. Rattner (1), Sonia Slonim (1), with 1 autograph note and 1 TL from Don Wallace to Clairouin. Discusses the 5 pirated Lebanese editions of
Lolita, various foreign contracts for Lolita, the possible placement of Sebastian Knight with Gallimard, and the contract with Gallimard for The Defense.
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
July 26, 1960
to
September 13, 1960
.
14 TL, in French and English, to VeN (6), Rene Algrin (2), Carlos Hirsh (3, one of which is a copy), and Don Wallace (1); from Rene Algrin to Clairouin (1), from Don Wallace to Clairouin (1). Discusses the action being taken by Algrin in the matter of the Lebanese pirated editions, Gallimard's proposed paperback edition of
Lolita, SUR's failure to send Clairouin statements, and various foreign contracts for Lolita. (especially the Israeli editions).
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
September 15, 1960
to
December 16, 1957
.
13 TL, in French and English, to VeN (9), Rene Algrin (1), Don Wallace (1), and from Chandra Das (1) and Rene Algrin (1), with 1 statement, 1 copy of a telegram, and 1 autograph note. Re: foreign editions of
Lolita, the ongoing legal proceedings in Lebanon, as well as the French publication of Sebastian Knight and the proposed serialization of Conclusive Evidence. Details an attempt by Ergaz to procure a 'divorce' from Olympia, with a description of G. as infantile and machiavellian.
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
January 5, 1961
to
February 17, 1961
.
14 TL, to VN (1), VeN (10), Madame Orstig (1), Pierre Moxhet (1), Rene Algrin (1). Regarding the film rights to
Laughter in the Dark (Ergaz hopes to snag Brigitte Bardot), foreign editions of Lolita (including the pirated Mexican edition), and the dispute with Girodias, who wishes to resolve their disagreements via the courts, rather than "sans avocats", as VN desires.
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
February 23, 1961
to
July 1, 1961
.
13 TL, in French and English, to VN (3), VeN (4), Rene Algrin (1), le Depot Legal (2), the Editor of
Playboy (1), and from Rene Algrin (2) and A. C. Spectorsky/Playboy (1). With 1 autograph note. Discusses various contractual and financial matters, the film rights to Laughter in the Dark (especially the Lombroso offer), and the Lebanese pirated editions. Ergaz answers VN's accusations in 4.19.61, and details the circumstances that led to Girodias feeling snubbed by VN at a party.
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
July 7, 1961
to
August 18, 1961
.
10 TL, in French, to VeN, with 1 autograph calculation on graph paper. Regarding various foreign editions of
Lolita, the continuing dispute with Olympia, Gallimard's interest in VN's poems, the film rights to Laughter in the Dark, and Grasset's unsatisfactory sales of the same.
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| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
August 30, 1961
to
October 26, 1961
.
9 TL, in French, to VeN (8), Rene Algrin (1), with 1 autograph note, and 1 typed sheet with extracts from Vera's letters. Discusses the contract with Lombroso for the film rights to
Laughter in the Dark, the translation of The Defense, the publication and re-translation of "La visite au musee," and statements from Gallimard for Despair, Invitation, and Conclusive Evidence.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
October 27, 1961
to
November 21, 1961
.
11 TL, in French, to VN (1), VeN (8), Pierre Moxhet (1), from Rene Algrin (1). Mostly re the pirated Mexican edition of
Laughter in the Dark and the pirated Lebanese editions of Lolita, the film version of Laughter, Gallimard's proposed paperback edition of Lolita, as well as various contractual and financial matters. Ergaz describes some books she is sending to the Nabokovs.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
November 22, 1961
to
January 5, 1962
.
8 TL, in French, to VN (1) and VeN (7), with 5 autograph sheets of calculations. Mostly regarding the contract with Gallimard for
Sebastian Knight, Gallimard's planned publication of The Defense before Pnin, various foreign contracts for Lolita, and the ongoing dispute with Olympia.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
January 17, 1962
to
February 26, 1962
.
13 TL, in French, to VN (2) and VeN (11), regarding the revision of the French translation of
The Defense, potential translators for Pale Fire (VN's new book), Serge Gainsbourg's request for permission to use extracts from Lolita as text for his songs, the contract with Gallimard for Sebastian Knight, the film versions of Lolita (to appear in the summer of 1962) and Laughter in the Dark (as yet not begun). Ergaz expresses disappointment that Vera has not enjoyed Le sang du ciel.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
February 28, 1962
to
March 30, 1962
.
11 TL, in French, to VeN (9) and Rene Algrin (1), and from Rene Algrin. Mostly regarding the proposed revision of Priel's translation of
The Defense, VN's corrections for Chrestien's translation of Pnin, the film adaptation of Laughter in the Dark, legal proceedings in Lebanon, difficulties with New Directions over Gallimard's reissue of Sebastian Knight, the Vogue's illicit use of Lolita, and resolution of dispute with Olympia.
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
April 4, 1962
to
May 9, 1962
.
13 TL, in French, English, and German, to VeN (8), Rene Algrin (1), Horst Tappe (1), l'Hotel Continental (1), Weidenfeld and Nicolson (1), and from Horst Tappe (1). Mostly regarding the film adaptation of
Laughter in the Dark, the publication of Pale Fire, contract difficulties with New Directions and Gallimard over The Defense, financial matters arising out of the resolution of the Olympia affair, Tappe's photograph portraits of VN, and the Indian publication of Lolita.
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| 7 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
May 10, 1962
to
June 23, 1962
.
8 TL, in French, English, and German, to VeN (5), from Rene Algrin (1), from
Playboy to Ergaz (1) with copy of a letter sent by Playboy to VN requesting an article on Brigitte Bardot, the copy of a letter sent from Playboy to VN (1) with copy of a letter from Vera to Playboy politely declining the latter's offer of publication, and a postcard from Horst Tappe. Other letters discuss the contract situation re Sebastian Knight, the legal proceedings in Lebanon, and the film adaptation of Laughter.
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| 7 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
June 27, 1962
to
August 11, 1962
.
17 TL, in French, to the Nabokovs (2), VeN (8), Rene Algrin (2), and from Algrin (5). Deals with the Lebanese pirated editions, film adaptation of
Laughter, foreign publication of Lolita, contract with Gallimard for Pale Fire (currently on American bestseller lists), publication of extracts of Pnin in the journal Arts, and contract difficulties with New Directions over Sebastian Knight.
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
August 16, 1962
to
September 21, 1962
.
12 TL, in French and German, to VeN (8), Rene Algrin (1), Horst Tappe (1) with attached postcard from Tappe, from Rene Algrin (1), 1 autograph record of telephone conversation with Vera, and 1 list of all foreign contracts for
Lolita. Discusses various contractual and financial matters, especially the contract with Gallimard for Pale Fire, and publication of Pnin in La revue de Paris (the first installment to be released at the same time as Gallimard's edition of the same).
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| 7 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
October 5, 1962
to
December 31, 1962
.
17 TL, in French, to VeN (16) and from Rene Algrin. Mostly regarding the publication and translation of
Pale Fire, the film adaptation of Laughter in the Dark, and other contractual matters (mostly relating to foreign publication of Lolita).
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| 7 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
January 1963
to
February 14, 1963
.
11 TL, in French and English, to VN(1), VeN (8), Rene Algrin (1), from Rene Algrin (1), 1 copy of telegram sent to VN, and 1 autograph calculation. Mostly regarding the film adaptation of
Laughter in the Dark (about which the Nabokovs are anxious), the search for a translator for Pale Fire, Ergaz's opinion of the film Lolita, and various financial matters re the foreign publication of Lolita.
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
February 22, 1963
to
April 30, 1963
.
11 TL, in French, to VeN (10) and Rene Algrin (1), with 1 autograph note. Primarily regarding the film adaptation of
Laughter in the Dark, and the search for a translator for Pale Fire (finally settled on Girard, who, rather to the surprised amusement of Ergaz and Michel Mohrt, is a Canadian, and Coindreau, Faulkner's translator), as well as various financial matters re the foreign publication of Lolita.
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| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
May 1963
to
July 25, 1963
.
11 TL, in French, to VeN, with 1 autograph note. Provides more information about Raymond Girard, who, as VN had suggested (to the contemptuous amusement of Ergaz and Mohrt), is a bilingual Canadian, and discusses Lumbroso situation, attempts to place various stories, and contractual matters relating to
Lolita and Sebastian Knight
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| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
July 29, 1963
to
September 26, 1963
.
12 TL, in French and English, to VeN (11) and Claude Gallimard (1), with 1 autograph note, 1 statement, and copy of telegram sent to VN. Mostly regarding proposed Turkish edition of
Lolita and other financial matters relating to foreign publication of that novel, contract dispute with New Directions, and Cannacs' revision of The Defense
|
| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
October 10, 1963
to
February 4, 1964
.
12 TL, in French, to VN (2), VeN (9), and Rene Algrin (1). Mostly regarding the Lumbrosos' situation, the contract dispute with New Directions, various contractual and financial matters re the foreign publication of
Lolita (especially in Turkey), the translation of Pale Fire and the revision of The Defense translation.
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| 7 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
February 17, 1964
to
May 13, 1964
.
17 TL, in French, to VN (3), VeN (8), Rene Algrin (1), the Hotel Meurice (1) making reservations for the Nabkkovs, from Rene Algrin (3) and the Hotel Meurice (1). Mostly re Gallimard's decision to publish
The Gift, various contractual and financial matters relating to the foreign publication of Lolita, and the Girard/Coindreau translation of Pale Fire
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| 7 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
May 16, 1964
to
August 4, 1964
.
15 TL, in French, to VN (1) and VeN (14), 1 autograph note and 1 copy of a telegram sent to VN. Mostly concerning the contract with Gallimard for
The Gift, the film adaptation of Laughter (there are now rumors that Truffaut will be signed to make the film), the possible publication of Eugene Onegin, and the proposed publication of Lolita in an anthology entitled Les chefs-d'oeuvre de l'erotisme (intended not to be pornographic).
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| 8 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
August 25, 1964
to
November 10, 1964
.
13 TL, to VN (1), VeN (8), Rene Algrin (2), and M. Macrides (1), from Rene Algrin (1), with a typed list outlining the foreign contracts for
Lolita (dated 8.25.64 but updated until 12.4.64), 1 autograph note from a Mlle. Bunel (?), and an unsigned autograph note. Discusses pirated Greek and Lebanese editions of Lolita and other contractual matters, and new legal proceedings against Girodias.
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| 8 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
November 17, 1964
to
January 15, 1965
.
10 TL, in French to VeN (8) and Leonidas Cottakis (1), from Cottakis (1), with 3 sheets of autograph calculations, and 1 statement in Greek. Mostly re the pirated Greek edition of
Lolita (Cottakis is the lawyer employed by Clairouin to take action against Gerolymbos and Dorikos), contractual matters re to the foreign publication of Lolita, and the translation of Pale Fire (the revisions to which Michel Mohrt hopes VN will complete quickly).
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| 8 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
January 22, 1965
to
March 15, 1965
.
13 TL, in French, to VN (2), VeN (9), Horst Tappe (1), Leonidas Cottakis (1). Mostly re the pirated Greek edition of
Lolita, the transfer of film rights for Laughter in the Dark to Pierre Braunberger and Henri de Clarens (who speak of Truffaut as director), the search for a translator for The Gift (Ergaz has decided not to translate the novel herself because of illness), and publication of Pale Fire.
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| 8 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
March 23, 1965
to
June 9, 1965
.
14 TL, in French, to VeN (11), Cottakis (2), Algrin (1). Mostly regarding the pirated Greek and Lebanese editions of
Lolita and Laughter in the Dark, various contractual and financial matters re the foreign publication of Lolita (especially an offer from a Yugoslavian firm), the translation of Pale Fire (to be undertaken by Girard), and VN's own translation of Lolita into Russian.
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| 8 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
June 30, 1965
to
September 27, 1965
.
10 TL, in French, to VeN (6), to Algrin (2), from Algrin (2). Outlines the publcation possibilities for VN's translation of
Lolita into Russian, and discusses proofs of Pale Fire (to be published as early as the fall), and various contractual matters re the foreign publication of Lolita.
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| 8 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
September 30, 1965
to
November 24, 1965
.
12 TL, in French and English, to VN (1), VeN (7), Cottakis (1), John-Marie Jammes (1) and Novoe Russkoe Slove (1),1 from Gertrude Fehr (Swiss photographer). Mostly regarding the possible publication of The Eye, the publication of
Lolita in Russian and other contractual and financial matters having to do with Lolita, the publication of Pale Fire, and the possible publication of the memoirs of Count Ignatieff (given to Ergaz by the current Canadian ambassador to NATO, George Ignatieff).
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| 8 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
November 25, 1965
to
December 17, 1965
.
12 TL, in French, to VeN (7), Algrin (1), Fehr (2), from Algrin (1), Fehr (1), typed summary of Cottakis' report on the pirated Greek editions of
Lolita and Laughter in the Dark. Discusses the release of Pale Fire and Girard's translation of The Gift, and various contractual and financial matters having to do with the foreign publication of Lolita.
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| 8 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
December 21, 1965
to
March 2, 1966
.
13 TL, in English and French, to VeN (11), Cottakis (1), and from Vitaly Komarow (1). Mostly regarding the publication of
Lolita in Russian, as well as other contractual and financial matters having to do with the foreign publication of Lolita, Girard's translation of The Gift, and Gallimard's offer for The Eye (to be translated by Magnane).
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| 8 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
March 4, 1966
to
May 16, 1966
.
14 TL, in French, to VeN (13), to Vitaly Komarow (1). Mostly re the contract with Gallimard for The Eye, Gallimard's interest in
Despair, Gallimard's publication of The Defense (about to be publishe serially in The New Yorker), a Czechoslovakian offer for Pale Fire, and various contractual and financial matters having to do with Lolita.
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| 8 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
May 23, 1966
to
October 15, 1966
.
14 TL in French to VeN. Deals with various financial matters re
Lolita (especially the Spanish edition, held up by censorship, and the many proposed Indian editions for Lolita. and also Laughter in the Dark). Notes also the possibility that the film rights to Laughter in the Dark may be free, and are being pursued by a Monsieur Mage. Also notes with pleasure the publication of Lolita in Russian.
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| 8 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
October 24, 1966
to
January 23, 1967
.
11 TL in French to VeN, dealing with the eventual publication of The Eye and
The Gift (both of which translations VN apparently approves), and contractual and financial matters having to do with the foreign publication of Lolita. Schebeko asks after the Russan edition of Lolita, and gives news of Ergaz, who undergoes an operation at this time.
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| 8 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
January 30, 1967
to
September 21, 1967
.
14 TL in French to VeN, with 2 autograph notes. Concerning the translation and publication of The Eye,
The Gift, Grasset's less than successful edition of Laughter in the Dark, various contractual and financial matters having to do with the foreign publication of Lolita, and enthusiastic reviews of VN's work in the Sunday Telegraph (England) and Le Monde (France). Notes with sadness Ergaz's slow progress into death, and then, following E.'s death, expresses regret that Vera's check for flowers (for Ergaz's funeral) should not have been cashed. Lists some additional stories that have appeared in print (in France).
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| 8 |
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
September 25, 1967
to
December 31, 1967
.
12 TL in French to VeN, with 2 autograph scraps. Mostly regarding various contractual and financial matters having to do with
Lolita, VN's desire to leave Gallimard (because of the latter's failures on the publicity front), the publication of The Gift (including the list of errata that VN wants to see included), and several short stories.
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| 8 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
January 9, 1968
to
June 19, 1968
.
12 TL, in French, to VN (1) and VeN (11), noting the annulation of the contract with Olympia, and the interest of les Editions du Chêne in buying the now available rights to
Lolita. Also discusses possible Yugoslavian publishers for Lolita., as well as the possible publication of some of VN's short stories.
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| 8 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
June 20, 1968
to
December 24, 1968
.
15 TL in French to VeN, regarding various contractual and financial matters having to do with the foreing publication of
Lolita (especially in India and Yugoslavia), Gallimard's desire to publish King, Queen, Knave next, and new rumblings from Olympia.
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| 8 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
January 6, 1969
to
May 22, 1969
12 TL in French to VeN, with 1 autograph calculation. Mostly re Czech and Yugoslavian editions of
Lolita, and Czech and Swiss publication of VN's short stories, as well as contract with Gallimard for King, Queen, Knave and publicity for The Eye and The Gift. Notes Girodias is appealing the last verdict.
|
| 8 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
May 28, 1969
to
September 25, 1969
.
15 TL in French to VeN, with 3 autograph records of telephone conversations. Mostly re: various contractual matters with
Lolita, Gallimard's readiness to publish collection of VN's stories, and their reluctance to sign a contract for Ada based on VN's stipulations.
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| 8 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
October 14, 1969
to
December 30, 1969
.
13 TL in French to VeN, re: the contract with Fayard for
Ada, and Spanish edition of Lolita.
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| 8 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
January 6, 1970
to
April 22, 1970
.
10 TL in French to VeN, with 1 typed list of VN's works published in Russian, English and French, and 1 autograph calculation. Mostly regarding various foreign contracts for
Lolita (in Iceland, Greece, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and asking for reimbursement of the legal costs incurred in the appeals case against Olympia.
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| 8 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
May 20, 1970
to
December 29, 1970
.
15 TL in French to VeN (12), Jean-Jacques Celly (1), and from Celly (1) and the Icelandic agent Sveinbjorn Jonsson (1). Regarding the American and French publications (by McGraw-Hill and Fayard) of
Mary, Fayard's publication of Ada, and various foreign contracts for Lolita. The correspondence with Celly (who is with Vanderbilt University in France) seems to concern a study Celly is undertaking, and for which he would like a copy of The Defense.
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
January 6, 1971
to
May 12, 1971
.
13 TL, in French, to VeN(11) and P. Daguerressar (1), and from Daguerressar to Gallimard (forwarded to Clairouin), with 1 autograph note. Regarding Fayard's publication of
Mary, various foreign contracts for Lolita, the possibility of reacquiring Grasset's largely unsuccessful edition of Laughter in the Dark, and an offer from Librairie generale française to publish many of VN's works in paperback form. Correspondence with Daguerressar about the latter's offer to translate Ada, which unfortunately has already been translated and is about to be published.
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| 8 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
May 17, 1971
to
September 8, 1971
13 TL, in French, to VeN (11), Gallimard (1), from Librairie generale française (1), with 1 autograph record of telephone conversation. Mostly regarding various foreign contracts for
Lolita, the translation of Ada, a request from a Lily Powell for the names of VN's German translators, and the contract with L.G.F. for paperback editions of a number of VN's works, a contract that will incite Gallimard to legal action ("c'est la guerre").
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
September 27, 1971
to
November 26, 1971
.
14 TL, in French, to VeN (11) and Jacques Mercier (1), from Gallimard (2), with 1 typed list of
Ada's various editions, and 1 autograph record of a telephone conversation. Mostly concerning the contract mess with Gallimard, Grasset, and Fayard, as well as various foreign contracts for Lolita, and the slow pace of the Ada translation. Shebeko asks Mercier for his help in the contract dispute with Gallimard.
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
December 3, 1971
to
March 8, 1972
.
12 TL, in French, to VeN (9), to Livre de Poche from Livre de Poche (2; 1 to Clairouin, and 1 to VN), with 1 typed list of documents sent Mercier. Mostly regarding various foreign contracts for
Lolita, the continuing dispute between Livre de Poche and Gallimard/Folio, the publication of King, Queen, Knave, and a series of interviews for "France-Culture." Includes original envelope for de Fallois' (for Livre de Poche) letter of 3.2.72.
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
March 11, 1972
to
March 15, 1972
.
3 TL, in French, to VeN (1) and Gallimard (2), with 4 autograph fragments (notes, calculations). The letters to Gallimard (one final version, plus a series of photocopied drafts approved by the Nabokovs; probably drafted by Mercier) state VN's position re: publication of
Lolita in paperback form.
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| 8 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
March 16, 1972
to
April 12, 1972
.
6 TL, in French, to VeN (4), from Gallimard (2, one of which is a photocopy). The letters from Gallimard outline the firm's position on the paperback editions of VN's works (needless to say, they refuse to cede the rights to Livre de Poche). While Schebeko believes VN might win a court decision forcing Gallimard to cede the paperback rights for
Lolita, it is likely Gallimard would retain the rights to other works by VN, and refuse to publish them in any form.
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| 8 |
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
April 25, 1972
to
September 20, 1972
.
12 TL, in French and English, to VeN (8), from Gallimard (4), one of which is a photocopy). Mostly regarding the contract with Gallimard/Folio for the paperback editions of
Lolita, Despair, and 3 others (Pnin and The Defense, though not Sebastian Knight, as the "absurd" impasse with New Directions continues), as well as the Ada translation (despite the slow pace, VN will not, as Schebeko suggests, allow Mary to appear before Ada). Includes typed copy of the blurb that will appear on the back of Lolita (the opening of Lolita and a short biographical note). Notes with delight that VN has finished another novel (Transparent Things).
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
September 27, 1972
to
November 29, 1972
.
8 TL, in French, to VeN (5) and Gallimard (1), from Gallimard (2), with autograph calculations. Mostly re: the contracts with Gallimard/Folio for paperback editions of
Lolita, Pnin, The Defense, and Despair. Also contract matters re foreign editions of Lolita.
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|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
December 13, 1972
to
March 13, 1973
.
12 TL, in French and English, to VeN (5), Gallimard (4), and Joan Daly (for the Literary Trust), from Gallimard (2), with 1 typed list detailing VN's royalties. Dealing with the contract with Gallimard (VN is somewhat displeased with the terms and their ambiguous wording, but Schebeko urges him to sign) and publication details (asking VN to approve book jackets, for example). Notes slow pace of
Ada translation, and Fayard's concern that VN will sell Transparent Things to another publisher (he will not show it to Fayard until the Ada translation is completed). Includes a personal note from Schebeko commiserating with Vera over her back (an especially unfortunate circumstance, writes Schebeko, given the perfection of Vera's posture), and offering some advice.
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
March 22, 1973
to
May 16, 1973
.
12 TL, in French, to VeN (6), Gallimard (4), from Gallimard (1) and from Gallimard to VeN (1, this a copy sent to Schebeko explaining some financial matters) with 1 autograph note. Mostly regarding Gallimard/Folio's paperback editions of
Pnin, Lolita and Despair, as well as the Chahine translation of Ada. Includes a more personal note from Schebeko detailing a recent meeting with their mutual friend Madame Tarr.
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Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
May 25, 1973
to
September 3, 1973
.
14 TL, in French and English, to VeN (12), Garlick & Hoffman (1), and from Garlick and Hoffman (1). Mostly re: foreign editions of
Lolita, financial matters re Gallimard, French taxes, and excruciating pace of the Ada translation (still only half completed by September 3).
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
September 11, 1973
to
January 18, 1974
.
11 TL, in French and English, to VeN with 1 bill for flowers sent to the Nabokovs, and 2 autograph notes. Mostly regarding foreign editions of
Lolita, a copy of the Russian translation of Lolita sent by the Nabokovs for Siniavsky, the contract with Fayard for Transparent Things (to be translated by Donald Harper, and published simultaneously with Ada, which still lacks 200 pages in the translation), Grasset's paperback edition of Laughter in the Dark, and financial matters re Gallimard.
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| 8 |
|
Correspondence to and from Clairouin,
January 29, 1974
to
May 7, 1974
.
15 TL, in English, to VeN (14), from Garlick & Hoffman (1). Mostly regarding various contractual matters, especially the contract with Fayard for
Transparent Things, situation in Brazil with Dr. Bloch and Abril, Folio edition of The Defense, and contract with Gallimard for King, Queen, Knave. Attempts to arrange a meeting between the Nabokovs and Fayard (either Orengo, or Hell and de Fallois) and/or the drop-off of the Ada translation, and asks for (and receives) a copy of the Andrew Field bibliography. With autograph record of telephone conversation (3.12.74) noting that VN is unable to receive de Fallois and Hell because he has 60 or so pages left to write of his novel.
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|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
May 9, 1974
to
October 11, 1974
.
12 TL, in English, to VeN, discussing various contractual and financial matters (especially the various foreign editions of
Lolita the novel and VN's screenplay). Schebeko apologizes for her lax correspondence, and writes that she fully expects to be "sacked." She loves Look at the Harlequins! but deplores the "heinous problem of a translation, which will make it impossible to bring it out for several years I guess."
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|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
October 21, 1974
to
December 26, 1974
.
4 TL, in English, to VeN, with 3 autograph notes. Mostly regarding various contractual matters (especially having to do with foreign editions of
Lolita, the Lolita screenplay, French publication of Strong Opinions and Bend Sinister, and the placement of Look at the Harlequins!). A postal strike is not only making correspondence difficult, but preventing importation of American edition of Look at the Harlequins!; Schebeko is saddened by the deaths of several friends.
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| 8 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
January 1975
to
September 16, 1975
.
8 TL, in English, to VeN, and 7 autograph notes (including at least 3 records of telephone conversations). Mostly re: various foreign editions of
Lolita, VN's dealings with that "crook" Prins, an upcoming interview, and contracts with Fayard for Look at the Harlequins!, and two paperback editions of Ada. Schebeko's husband has just passed away.
|
| 8 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
September 19, 1975
to
November/December 1975
.
8 TL, in French and English, to VeN, and 1 memorandum concerning a contract dispute between Grijalbo and Discolibro. Other letters discuss various accounting matters (especially re
Lolita), an offer from Juilliard/Plon (now headed up by Bernard de Fallois) to publish all of VN's as yet untranslated works (with an annotation recording the Nabokovs' approval, communicated via telephone), and the transfer of rights to Dmitri Nabokov.
|
| 8 |
|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
January 1976
to
April 2, 1976
.
5 TL, in English to VeN, with 2 autograph calculations and 1 autograph record of a telephone conversation. Mostly re: the contract with Juilliard, possible translators for the short stories Juilliard is to publish (wonders about the translator of a recent story that has appeared in the French
Playboy, and the status of Fayard's editions of VN's works (Ada, Look at the Harlequins!, Transparent Things and Mary). Discusses various other small contractual matters. Schebeko tenders her semi-resignation, as she has lost all interest in agenting since her husband's death, no longer feels she can do her job well. Besides, she has "always thoughtthat you [Vera] are a far better agent than any I know" (2.12.76).
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Correspondence from Clairouin,
April 8, 1976
to
March 28, 1977
.
9 TL and 1 TLS (a postcard from Schebeko), in English, to VeN, with 1 autograph record of a telephone conversation. Mostly regarding various contractual matters (including a translator for VN's short stories, and the Grijalbo agreement). Schebeko wonders at the length of time is has taken for the copy of
Playboy she sent to the Nabokovs to arrive (possibly, she suggests, the result of a mailman tempted by the magazine's contents).
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|
Correspondence from Clairouin,
April 15, 1977
to
June 16, 1977
.
6 TL, in English, to VeN (4) and Garlick & Hoffman (2), with 1 typed list of copyright holders, and 1 autograph record of a phone conversation with Vera (noting, among other things, that VN is in the hospital). Discusses tax matters, the Grijalbo-Bartrina mess, and a book club edition of
Ada. Schebeko is closing down the agency on June 30.
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence between Vera Nabokov and Clairouin,
January 3 - January 31, 1959
.
17 letters and notes, including 4 TLS from Vera in English and French, discussing the rights of publication and translation of
Lolita and Invitation to a beheading.
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence to the Nabokovs from Clairouin,
February 2 - February 24, 1959
.
12 TLS and TL copies in French regarding rights and contracts for translations of
Lolita and other works.
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence between the Nabokovs and Clairouin,
March 3 - March 27, 1959
.
11 letters and notes, including 3 TLS from Vera, regarding rights and translations of
Lolita and other works
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence between the Nabokovs and Clairouin,
April 2 - April 30, 1959
.
12 letters and one contract (4 TLS [3 from Vera, 1 from Constantine Santas] and 8 TL from Clairouin) regarding foreign rights and translations of
Lolita.
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence between the Nabokovs and Clairouin,
May 3 - May 28, 1959
.
17 letters, notes, and contracts (including 3 TLS by Vera) re: rights, permissions and translations of
Lolita, Sebastian Knight, the Vane Sisters, Chambre Obscure, Musique, and other works.
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence between the Nabokovs and Clairouin,
June 1 - June 30, 1959
.
23 letters, notes, and contracts (including 7 TLS by Vera) re:
Lolita, Pnin, Spring in Fialta, the Vane Sisters, Invitation to a Beheading, and other works.
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondences between the Nabokovs Clairouin, and others,
July 1 - July 31, 1959
.
21 letters and notes between the Nabokovs, Clairouin, Henri Monneray, Maurice Chapelan and Girodias (including 4 TLS by Vera) re:
Chambre Obscure, Lolita, Pilgrim, and other works.
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence between the Nabokovs and Clairouin,
August 1 - August 20, 1959
.
10 letters, notes, calculations, (including 2 TLS by Vera) and contract for the Grasset edition of
Chambre Obscure and Lolita.
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence between the Nabokovs and Clairouin,
September 4 - September 29, 1959
.
10 letters and statements (including 3 TLS by Vera) between the Nabokovs, Clairouin, and Steimatsky).
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence between the Nabokovs, Clairouin, and publishers,
October 7 - October 30, 1959
.
17 letters, notes, contracts, and calculations (including 2 TLS by Vera) re: compensation for
Lolita and other works.
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence between the Nabokovs and Clairouin,
November 6 - November 29, 1959
.
20 letters, contracts, and accounting sheets (including 5 TLS by Vera) re:
Lolita and Chambre Obscure.
|
| 9 |
|
Correspondence between Vera Nabokov and Clairouin,
December 4 - December 9, 1959
.
2 TL and 1 TLS between Vera and Clairouin.
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