The only son of Vladimir Nabokov, who authorized the publication of the Nobel Prize winning writer’s final work, has died. Dmitry Nabokov was aged 77 when he passed away on February 22 in Switzerland. He had no children.

Possessing all the rights for his father’s works, Dmitry brought to light many of Nabokov's unknown creations.  He also authorized the publication of his father’s final unfinished work, The Original of Laura.

Shortly before his death in 1977, the author of Lolita had requested his wife and son to destroy the manuscript. Yet after 30 years of doubt, Dmitry Nabokov let the novel be published.

Hugh Hefner and Playboy acquired the first serial rights to the work.

Dmitry Nabokov was the only child of Vladimir Nabokov and his wife Vera Slonim. Born in Berlin, he moved to the United States with his parents and studied history and literature at Harvard. He became known as a translator, particularly of his father’s works, and was also a successful opera singer.