![NABOKOV, Vladimir Vladimirovich (1899-1977). Stikhi. [Poems.] St Petersburg: by Union [for the author], 1916.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/CKS/2018_CKS_17162_0192_001(nabokov_vladimir_vladimirovich_stikhi_poems_st_petersburg_by_union_for111133).jpg?w=1)
![NABOKOV, Vladimir Vladimirovich (1899-1977). Stikhi. [Poems.] St Petersburg: by Union [for the author], 1916.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/CKS/2018_CKS_17162_0192_002(nabokov_vladimir_vladimirovich_stikhi_poems_st_petersburg_by_union_for095520).jpg?w=1)
![NABOKOV, Vladimir Vladimirovich (1899-1977). Stikhi. [Poems.] St Petersburg: by Union [for the author], 1916.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/CKS/2018_CKS_17162_0192_000(nabokov_vladimir_vladimirovich_stikhi_poems_st_petersburg_by_union_for111124).jpg?w=1)
Details
NABOKOV, Vladimir Vladimirovich (1899-1977). Stikhi. [Poems.] St Petersburg: by Union [for the author], 1916.
The first edition of Nabokov's rare first book published by Nabokov when he was still at school, at his own expense from an inheritance. Stikhi reportedly fell foul of censors, who seized and destroyed most of the edition; it is also possible that some copies were lost when the Nabokovs left Russia following the 1917 Revolution. Juliar locates between 8-10 copies worldwide. This publication comprises 68 love poems mostly inspired by his first love Valentina Shulgin; none were included by Nabokov in later editions of his collected poems. Upon reading these poems, Zinaida Gippius instructed Nabokov's father: 'Please tell your son that he will never be a writer'. One of 500 copies, this one numbered 377. Juliar A2.1.
Octavo (185 x 157mm). Typographic ornament on the title (faint scattered spotting on the title). Original paper wrappers with yapp edges, the front cover printed in black (spine ends and yapp edges chipped; some short tears; light soiling and light spotting); custom brown cloth clamshell case. Provenance: 'T' (Roman initial stamped on the rear cover) – Sotheby's (sold, 28 November 2007, lot 104).
The first edition of Nabokov's rare first book published by Nabokov when he was still at school, at his own expense from an inheritance. Stikhi reportedly fell foul of censors, who seized and destroyed most of the edition; it is also possible that some copies were lost when the Nabokovs left Russia following the 1917 Revolution. Juliar locates between 8-10 copies worldwide. This publication comprises 68 love poems mostly inspired by his first love Valentina Shulgin; none were included by Nabokov in later editions of his collected poems. Upon reading these poems, Zinaida Gippius instructed Nabokov's father: 'Please tell your son that he will never be a writer'. One of 500 copies, this one numbered 377. Juliar A2.1.
Octavo (185 x 157mm). Typographic ornament on the title (faint scattered spotting on the title). Original paper wrappers with yapp edges, the front cover printed in black (spine ends and yapp edges chipped; some short tears; light soiling and light spotting); custom brown cloth clamshell case. Provenance: 'T' (Roman initial stamped on the rear cover) – Sotheby's (sold, 28 November 2007, lot 104).
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