Véra Nabokov

Véra Nabokov was a Russian-born American woman, best known as the wife, translator, and editor of the renowned author Vladimir Nabokov. She was born in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire, to a family of Jewish descent, and her early life was marked by the influence of Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and other prominent Russian literary figures. Véra's family was forced to flee Russia after the Russian Revolution of 1917, eventually settling in Berlin, Germany, where she became acquainted with the works of Marcel Proust, James Joyce, and Virginia Woolf. Her love for literature and language would later become a crucial aspect of her relationship with Vladimir Nabokov, whom she met through mutual friends, including Roman Grynberg and Mark Aldanov.

● Early Life and Education

Véra Nabokov's early life was shaped by her family's experiences during the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Russian Civil War. Her family's move to Berlin, Germany, exposed her to a diverse range of cultural and literary influences, including the works of Bertolt Brecht, Kurt Weill, and Walter Benjamin. Véra's education was marked by her attendance at the University of Berlin, where she studied languages and literature, developing a particular interest in the works of Gustave Flaubert, Charles Baudelaire, and Paul Verlaine. Her time in Berlin also brought her into contact with other notable figures, such as Albert Einstein, Arnold Schoenberg, and Wassily Kandinsky.

● Marriage and Career

In 1925, Véra married Vladimir Nabokov, and the couple began a lifelong partnership that would span over six decades. Véra's role as Vladimir Nabokov's wife, translator, and editor was instrumental in shaping his literary career, as she worked closely with him on numerous projects, including the translation of his works into English. Her collaborations with Vladimir Nabokov included the translation of his novels, such as Lolita and Pale Fire, as well as his poetry and short stories. Véra's work with Vladimir Nabokov also brought her into contact with other prominent literary figures, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and T.S. Eliot.

● Literary Collaboration

Véra Nabokov's literary collaboration with Vladimir Nabokov was a defining aspect of their relationship, as she played a crucial role in shaping his writing and editing his works. Her translations of his novels, such as Invitation to a Beheading and The Gift, helped to introduce his work to a broader audience, while her editorial input ensured that his writing was polished and refined. Véra's work with Vladimir Nabokov also extended to his academic pursuits, as she assisted him in his research on lepidoptery and his teaching positions at Harvard University and Cornell University. Her collaborations with Vladimir Nabokov brought her into contact with other notable scholars, including Roman Jakobson, Mikhail Bakhtin, and Yuri Lotman.

● Personal Life and Legacy

Véra Nabokov's personal life was marked by her devotion to her husband, Vladimir Nabokov, and their son, Dmitri Nabokov. Her role as a mother and wife was deeply intertwined with her work as a translator and editor, as she managed the household and cared for her family while also supporting Vladimir Nabokov's literary career. Véra's legacy extends beyond her work with Vladimir Nabokov, as she played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of the 20th century. Her translations and editorial work have been recognized by scholars and literary critics, including Harold Bloom, Susan Sontag, and Martin Amis, who have acknowledged her contributions to the world of literature.

● Later Life and Death

In the later years of her life, Véra Nabokov continued to work on her husband's literary estate, ensuring that his works remained in print and were introduced to new generations of readers. She also worked closely with scholars and biographers, including Brian Boyd and Stacy Schiff, to promote a deeper understanding of Vladimir Nabokov's life and work. Véra Nabokov passed away on April 7, 1991, in Montreux, Switzerland, leaving behind a legacy as a devoted wife, mother, and literary collaborator. Her death was mourned by scholars and literary figures, including Joseph Brodsky, Czesław Miłosz, and Italo Calvino, who recognized her significant contributions to the world of literature. Category:20th-century American translators