Nabokov, Vladimir.Lolita. Jerusalem: Printed in Israel for The Olympia Press by Steimatzky's Agency, 1955. 223 p. First hardcover edition. Fine in a lightly worn dustwrapper.

One of fewer than 1500 copies published of the first hardcover edition of this brilliant and controversial novel of sexual obsession, which has been called one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century as well as "the filthiest books I have ever read .. sheer unrestrained pornography" (the latter quote is from John Gordon, editor in 1955 of the London Sunday Express).  Published originally in Paris as a two-volume paperback, this is the first hardcover edition, which Yehezkel Steimatzky published by arrangement with either Maurice Girodias (the publisher of the Olympia Press) or with Nabokov himself, at the instigation of his wife Vera. Although dated 1955 on the title page, this may have been issued as late as 1958 or 1959. All copies of the Israeli edition were numbered on the rear pastedown; this is number 635. A lovely copy of a very rare book.

Selected References

Juliar, Vladimir Nabokov: A Descriptive Bibliography A28.1 var.

Kearney, Olympia Press, 5.66.8

Handelzalts, Michael. "Lo. Lee. Ta. Did she have a precursor?," Haaretz 6 August 2004 (19 Av 5754). https://www.haaretz.com/1.4777798