University of California Press Crystal Land

Crystal Land: Artifice in Nabokov's English Novels is an in-depth exploration of Vladimir Nabokov's use of artistry and the theme of art across his English-language novels. The book investigates how Nabokov crafts intricate worlds where fiction mirrors the creative process itself. From playful word games and literary allusions to themes of obsession, identity, and mortality, Nabokov's works challenge readers to embrace the artificiality of art as a profound avenue for understanding consciousness and the human condition. This study emphasizes how his narratives blur the boundaries between reality and illusion, underscoring the transformative power of imagination. Through detailed analyses of works like Lolita, Pale Fire, and Ada, the book uncovers the recurring motifs and complex structures that define Nabokov's literary style. Each novel is presented as a unique network of symbols, reflective of the artist's craft and consciousness. By examining the intersections of humor, self-reflection, and narrative manipulation, Crystal Land offers readers a deeper appreciation of Nabokov’s artful storytelling and its capacity to reshape perceptions of reality and creativity. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1972.