"Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold."

Rare covers of Nabokov’s Lolita from around the world [X]

(Source: theronweasleygeneration)

Lolita
A novel by Vladmir Nabakov

• What it’s about: Probably one of the most infamous plots of all time, Nabakov’s novel follows the story of Humbert Humbert, a literary scholar who becomes obsessed with a 12 year old girl, who he refers to as Lolita.
• Why you should read it: I’ll admit, this book isn’t for the feint of heart. There were times that I had to put the book down, because I simply couldn’t handle the subject matter. Although it is not easy to be submerged into the mind of a pedophile, it certainly is fascinating. The best thing about the book is how Nabakov draws you in, despite the disturbing subject matter, and enchants you with the actual prose. His writing is like poetry, carefully crafted and beautiful. The language, and the way that your feelings about Humbert fluctuate throughout the book, makes this classic a necessary addition to your reading list.
• Things to look out for: Watch out for how you feel about Humbert. Are you sympathizing with him? Why? Personally, I think that Nabakov does a great job of messing with your mind.
• In what context should you read this: Steel yourself, it won’t be an easy read.
• Follow ups: Nabakov has such a wonderful style, you’ll have to look into his other work. I haven’t read any of them yet, but I have been told that Despair and Invitation to a Beheading are wonderful and surreal.

(Source: castlekeys)

aseaofquotes:

F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

theronweasleygeneration:

+ Commonly banned books throughout History

The books that the world calls immoral are the books that show the world its own shame.
-Oscar Wilde

(Source: philo-sofia)

(Source: gnossienne)

(Source: theronweasleygeneration)

ufansius:

Cover Illustration, The Great Gatsby