Nabokov and Chesterton

Although Nabokov discouraged source- and influence-hunting, examining the links between him and a range of writers has proved helpful. We know that G.K. Chesterton's work was once important to him, and the list of similarities between Chesterton and Nabokov is long and intriguing. Their views on aesthetic and ethical questions converge in interesting ways; their literary criticism performs similar functions; their extraordinary inventiveness makes them kindred spirits. Reconsidering Chesterton in light of these conjunctions might enhance his fading reputation; rereading Nabokov in light of them might help us see his work anew