Description
The Tragedy of Mr. Morn
Book Summary
This work is the first significant piece of fiction by Vladimir Nabokov, written when the author was twenty-four years old and remaining unpublished in Spanish until now. Readers will discover an early dramatic text that already reveals the narrative mastery, psychological complexity, and linguistic virtuosity that would characterize the later work of the author of "Lolita." It is a fundamental piece for understanding the literary evolution of one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.
What is it about?
"The Tragedy of Mr. Morn" is a play that Nabokov conceived in his youth, during his exile in Berlin. The plot unfolds in an imaginary kingdom and revolves around a revolutionary leader named Morn, whose secret identity and tragic destiny are intertwined with themes such as impossible love, sacrifice, and the duality of the self. Through poetic language and a classical dramatic structure, the work explores the conflicts between political duty and personal desires, the social mask and inner truth. The piece anticipates recurring motifs in Nabokovian narrative: memory, exile, identity, and the complexity of human relationships.
Main Themes
- Identity and social mask: the duality between the public appearance and the true nature of the protagonist.
- Tragic and impossible love: the devastating consequences of a love that defies social and political conventions.
- Revolution and power: the conflict between revolutionary ideals and the realities of leadership.
- Exile and uprooting: the experience of displacement and the search for belonging.
- Destiny and fate: the inevitability of tragedy in the lives of the characters.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in the complete works of Vladimir Nabokov, especially those who wish to explore his literary beginnings. It will also be of great value to scholars of 20th-century literature, lovers of auteur theater, and followers of Russian narrative in exile. It is an essential read for those seeking to understand the genesis of one of the great masters of contemporary prose.
What this book offers
- Access to a work previously unpublished in Spanish, which completes Nabokov's literary corpus.
- A unique vision of the early development of his style, with echoes of his literary maturity.
- An intense theatrical experience that combines lyricism, dramatic tension, and psychological depth.
- Historical and literary context regarding the youthful production of a key 20th-century author.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Nabokov, Vladimir
- Publisher: Ediciones La Uña Rota
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: PLAYS, THEATRICAL TEXTS
- Collection: LIBROS ROBADOS
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: March 2020
- Number of pages: 260
- Weight: 440 g
Editorial Assessment
This edition of "The Tragedy of Mr. Morn" represents a significant publishing event for followers of Nabokov and for lovers of literary theater. The work, written in his youth, is not merely an archival curiosity, but a dramatic text of remarkable quality that already contains the obsessions and stylistic prowess of the author. The Spanish translation, previously non-existent, opens a door to a lesser-known but equally fascinating facet of his production. For the reader interested in the evolution of great writers, this book offers a unique opportunity to witness the birth of an exceptional literary voice.