Very interesting, Darling. Girodias of course took up the rejected orphan, and was rewarded with venomous outrage by the ingrate, VN. Well, he did it to Wilson too, didn't he? So, nobody's perfect - what else is new?
Carolyn
She is calling Nabokov 'Darling'? hmm.
From: Jansy <jansy@AETERN.US>
To: NABOKV-L@LISTSERV.UCSB.EDU
Sent: Tue, April 30, 2013 12:54:54
PM
Subject: [NABOKV-L] Rejection letters (part of) Lolita
The
novel that later went on to sell 50 million copies and become a timeless,
esteemed classic first had to endure numerous rejections from publishing houses,
including this one written by Mrs. Blanche Knopf herself. [ ]
Blanche Knopf’s 1956 rejection letter, from the Knopf archives, reads:
Darling,
This office has taken a long time to say no to
Nabokov’s Lolitawhich
you and I both know was impossible at least for us. Do you want the books back?
I don’t imagine so in which case we will keep it for our blank department. But
let me know. I wonder if any publisher will buy it.
Will
you please tell Renée that I had her charming letter. I have no news except that
the Coco is holding his own. As soon as I know more, I will write. But it was
enchanting of her to send me a line, and I am very grateful. We have all been
upset about this affair.
Bless. And all the best.
As always,
Mrs. W.A. Bradley
18
Quai de Bethune
Paris 4, FRANCE
All private editorial communications are
read by both co-editors.