Nabokov
-
The Rumpus Interview with Wayne Harrison
Wayne Harrison discusses his debut novel, The Spark and the Drive, fiction, working as a correctional officer, and Carl Benz’s three-wheeled Motor Car.
-
Willful Ignorance
Over at the New Yorker, Alaksandar Hemon reads a slice of Nabokov; afterward, he chats about the foreignness of language, learning English from Pnin, and the book’s “complicated innocence” towards America.
-
Book Club with Grandma
For The Millions, Bryan Vandyke reflects on his relationship with his grandmother and how works by Nabokov and Faulkner allowed for a connection between generations: Reading is solitary and personal, but you aren’t necessarily alone in it. In some ways, we are…
-
Literature as Ideal Propaganda
During the Cold War, the CIA viewed literature as a potent tool to undermine the Soviet Union. Novels by George Orwell, Albert Camus, Vladimir Nabokov, and James Joyce were smuggled across borders. And, as Nick Romeo explains in the Atlantic,…
-
Licking Vladimir’s Stamps
It may seem a little outdated to invoke Vera Nabokov’s name, but most writers seem to agree on the need for a “Vera”—a partner or friend, willing to edit and support. In the Atlantic this week, Koa Beck explores the legend of the do-it-all…
-
In Defense of Translation
Professor and translator, David Bellos celebrates the enlightening task of translation in his new book, Is That a Fish in Your Ear? Translation and the Meaning of Everything.
-
Remembering Nabokov
Four days ago was the anniversary of Vladimir Nabokov’s death and this Paris Review blog remembers the wordsmith/butterfly catcher as the compelling professor and famous author that he became. There’s even a vague Lady Gaga comparison/reference. And did you know…
-
The Rumpus Books Sunday Supplement
This week, Rumpus books reviewed Terry Castle’s book of essays, interviewed Elaine Showalter, wrote about Nabokov, and talked about grief and Hamlet. Come see what you missed.
-
The Last Book I Loved: Ada, or Ardor: A Family Chronicle
The books I love are those tangled and overflowing: their magic is the product of the trust the author puts in his talent.
-
Morning Coffee
Wired looks at the fine art of pulpy vhs box art. A handy Christmas facts info-graphic for you. Scienceray wants to talk to you about the Trogon family of birds. I link to this begrudgingly because birds are terrifying. I’ve…
-
Morning Coffee
Fun fact: lobsters don’t age! Scientists want to know why your brother won’t share with you. Chip Kidd on designing Nabokov. Everyday is a good day for insect macro-photography. The world’s coolest subway stations. Hurray for public transportation!
-
The Rumpus Sunday Book Blog Roundup
I was out last week on vacation, but I’m back. And there’s a lot to catch up on. Here goes … In Turkey, you can go to jail for using the letters Q, W and X. (via) Even Bill and…