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Professor Defends Nabokov After Epstein Encounter Revealed

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Professor Brian Boyd of the University of Auckland met Jeffrey Epstein in 2012 to discuss a potential book on Nabokov's Lolita; emails show he sought a $75,000 fee, though no payment was made.
He says he was unaware of Epstein's criminal background at the time and feels no guilt about the association.
Boyd argues Nabokov's work is misinterpreted and Epstein's actions do not reflect on the literary merit of Lolita.

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Story summary

Professor Brian Boyd of the University of Auckland met Jeffrey Epstein in 2012 to discuss a potential book on Nabokov's Lolita; emails show he sought a $75,000 fee, though no payment was made.
He says he was unaware of Epstein's criminal background at the time and feels no guilt about the association.
Boyd argues Nabokov's work is misinterpreted and Epstein's actions do not reflect on the literary merit of Lolita.