Nabokov in DC: how declassified intelligence and forgotten history reveal hidden stories in Lolita and Pale Fire
Calling all Nabokov fans, literary fiends, and history buffs in the nation’s capital! I’m giving a (free!) talk this Thursday, March 14, at 6:00 pm in downtown DC to celebrate the publication of The Secret History of Vladimir Nabokov.
Appropriate to the setting, I’ll cover the ways in which FBI files, newspaper archives, and declassified CIA records reveal Nabokov’s deep political engagement in his most famous novels–masterpieces widely believed to be unmoored from history in any significant sense.
The talk will take place at 1307 L Street, NW, just three blocks from the McPherson Square Metro station, in the heart of NYU’s fabulous new DC campus. You can see more details of the talk at the event link (just click the violet button to sign up). You don’t have to pay, but you do have to register.
Stay and hobnob with interesting people at the reception afterward! And those so inclined will have a chance to buy a copy of the book and get it signed. It’s an informal launch party, and I’m excited about it because there will be lots of opportunity for discussion after the talk.
I hope you’ll join us on Thursday. (But don’t forget to register!)
