Here is my reasoning: Vladimir Nabokov left the index cards in trust of his son Dimitri's wisdom, had he not had faith in his son's ability to do justice to his father's words, his father would not have left them behind. The point of not publishing the manuscript "as is" in his father's name is clear and makes perfect sense; I would not want to be misrepresented or even partially represented after my death either.

Yet it seems to me that Dimitri Nabokov is quite familiar with his father's literary intentions and may be in the position to co-author the book with his late father. This takes care of the problem of publishing the work unfinished, and of giving ownership in a case which it not fully desired. Dimitri offers the world one more work of art from his father's mind, has more control over the manuscript's interpretation - which seems to be DN's greatest contention with contemporary critics and audiences. (Which, by the way, I do not think we should all have to suffer for.)

A few years ago I went to see the sculptures of Degas (the impressionist painter.) When he died, his studio had several wax sculptures in it that had never been cast. He hadn't planned on casting them; he had never cast any of his sculptures. He was hoping that after he died, the was sculptures would melt and disappear as unknown pieces of his work. However, after his death the pieces were discovered in his studio and cast in bronze. They are beautiful, delicate, lyrical, and unique in that Degas' sculptures capture a feeling within a gesture the way that his paintings do.

As one who appreciates art, I am most grateful to have the Degas' statues with us today. As an artist, I can say that we artists do not always make the best decisions about what to do with our artwork. This is why the words "starving" and "artist" are often found adjacent to one another... not because the artwork unworthy of earning success. In fact, the most commercially successful "art" is often the least worthy of its success.

As one who appreciates the writing of V. Nabokov, I would be most grateful to have the opportunity to read his last manuscript. I can also appreciate the difficulty DN faces in making this decision, and I do wish Dimitri all the best.

Most Sincerely.
aks