Vladimir Vladimirovich NABOKOV (1899-1977) File concerning the French edition of "Course du fou", the French title of Nabokov's novel written in 1929 with the original title "La défense Loujine". The file begins with a letter from André Levinson dated February 20, 1930, proposing that Denis Roche translate "a very interesting novel (that of a chess champion) by V. Sirine-Nabokoff, the son of the politician who fell in the circumstances you know". Until October 6, 1932, negotiations took place between Denis Roche and Fayard. On October 7, 1932, Nabokov wrote Roche his first letter, with a positive assessment of his translation. This was followed by correspondence between Denis Roche and Vladimir Nabokov about publishing problems and delays in the book's publication, letters of appreciation of the book from Koulman, Valory Le Ricolais, acknowledgements of receipt from Pierre du Chambon, Veillet-Lavallée and a request for rights from Denyse Clairouin. A total of 60 letters and one contract, including 15 letters from Nabokov to Roche: 1 - October 7, 1932, handwritten letter. 2 - October 24, 1932, handwritten postcard. 3 - January 21, 1933, handwritten letter. 4 - March 6, 1933, handwritten letter. 5 - March 24, 1933, handwritten postcard signed in Russian. 6 - April 4, 1933, handwritten letter. 7 - May 21, 1933, handwritten postcard. 8 - September 4, 1933, handwritten letter. 9 - September 30, 1933, handwritten letter. 10 - sd [October 1933], handwritten letter. 11 - November 13, 1933, handwritten letter. 12 - November 23, 1933, handwritten postcard. 13 - sd [November 1933] handwritten letter. 14 - January 14, 1934, handwritten postcard. 15 - March 12, 1934, handwritten postcard. The evolution of Nabokov's relationship with Denis Roche can be followed by the addresses of the letters: Monsieur (N°1), Cher Monsieur (N°2), (N°3 is atypical, Nabokov addresses Denis Roche in Russian), Cher Monsieur et ami (N°4-8), Cher ami (N° 9-14) and finally - Mon cher ami (N°15). Denis Roche was one of the few translators with whom Nabokov was friendly. Provenance: Archives of Denis Roche. [Russian art]