Vladimir Nabokov, renowned Russian-American novelist, poet, and literary critic, passed away on July 2, 1977. He was 78 years old. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia on April 23, 1899, to an upper-class family, Nabokov's life was marked by affluence and culture. One of the most influential literary figures of the twentieth century, Nabokov was a master of many languages and the author of several literary works, such as Lolita, Invitation to a Beheading, Pale Fire, The Real Life of Sebastian Knight, and Speak, Memory. Each of these works is celebrated for its intricate wordplay, its technical sophistication, and its vivid storytelling. As one of the few authors to achieve success in both Russian and English, Nabokov's works were praised around the world for their insight and nuance. He taught at Cornell University beginning in 1948 and left behind a tremendous legacy of academic and literary accomplishment. He was married twice, first to Vera Slonim from 1925 to the time of her death in 1945 and, secondly, to Véra Evseyevna in 1948 until his death. Despite leaving his family and home country during the Russian Revolution, Nabokov's appreciation for Russian language and culture was consistently evident in his work. Awarded numerous accolades for multiple works, Nabokov's memory is secured among the world’s greatest writers. The works he leaves behind are a lasting reminder of his genius and influence on literature.