Vladimir Nabokov, often recognized as one of the greatest writers of the 20^th century, was also from early childhood impassioned by a very different subject: butterflies. This lesser known side of Nabokov as a devoted lepidopterist is showcased in Mann Gallery's newest exhibit From Nabokov's Net: Nabokov’s contributions to butterfly science & the Cornell University Insect Collection.

During his time as professor of Russian literature at Cornell (1948-1959), Nabokov collected hundreds of butterfly specimens from across the United States which he donated to the Cornell University Insect Collection (CUIC). A selection from this collection, with hand-written labels by Nabokov, is featured in this exhibit which also celebrates his love of Lepidoptera as witnessed through both fanciful and scientific butterfly illustrations, the species he described, and the fascinating scientific theories he developed, which were largely dismissed during his lifetime but have been spectacularly confirmed in recent years. 

Come learn about Nabokov’s life-long passion, celebrate his scientific contributions, and delight in the beautiful butterfly collection he left with us at Cornell. 

The exhibit is free and open to all during the hours of operation of Mann Library. Please check this site for up-to-date hours: https://mann.library.cornell.edu/full-hours

In conjunction with this exhibit, the Mann lobby features the exhibit No Mere Curios: Finding Nabokov’s Lepidopterist Inspiration in the Rare Books of Entomology.