Dmitri Nabokov would like to assure everyone concerned that he had nothing to do with the paranoid pastiche recently received by List members and others. These are clearly the workings of a deranged and perhaps drugged mind. Furthermore, one is advised to exercise caution in opening the "forum links" that the letter contains. The news from Russia about the Museum's future and Mr. Putin's decree on copyright protection -- in both cases the fruit of long efforts -- is much more interesting and cheerful than this obscene trash.

With regard to Hiroo Yamagata's query, the answer is simple. In many cases publishers, agents, etc. did not bother to return books they had asked to borrow for various reasons. To encourage their return, my parents adopted the policy of marking them as "Author's copies." If the inscription carries a date, it was probably to make sure the book returned while they were not absent on a long trip. Some such books may contain notations and corrections for future printings. Generally it was my mother who inscribed, so as not to burden VN or abet the sleazy commerce in autographs. The copy of SO in question was unquestionably inscribed by her, as was the BS. The VéN inscription for the magazine questionnaire was an amusingly elaborate version of her own hand, or it might just be possible that it was a jocular imitation by VN. The "Author's copies" should of course have been returned. No boxes of books were forgotten at the hotel after Mother's death or donated by hotel managers -- I saw to that. The autographed Lolita offered for sale is vaguely redolent of a rat. If the dealer can prove its authenticity, I'll be glad to buy it at that price.

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