Subject
Rejection letters (part of) Lolita
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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
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