10 of History’s Weirdest Book Dedications

Book dedications are usually heartfelt expressions of gratitude or love, connecting authors to their readers in a personal way. However, throughout history, some writers have taken a rather peculiar route when penning their dedications. From the bizarre to the downright eccentric, let’s unravel the mysteries behind 10 of history’s weirdest book dedications.

1. Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita” (1955)

Nabokov kicks off our list with a dedication that might raise an eyebrow or two. In “Lolita,” he dedicates the novel to his wife, Véra, describing her as both the “sole reader” and “editor” of his work. This dedication sparks intrigue, considering the controversial nature of the novel.

2. Roald Dahl’s “Matilda” (1988)

Known for his whimsical tales, Dahl dedicated “Matilda” to his wife, Liccy. However, the dedication takes an unexpected turn, thanking Liccy for “keeping him out of the pub” and being an “angel” all the while. It’s a charmingly unconventional expression of gratitude.

3. J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” (1951)

Salinger opted for a more enigmatic dedication, simply stating, “To my mother.” The mysterious dedication adds an air of intrigue to a novel that already captivates readers with its complex protagonist, Holden Caulfield.

4. Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1971)

Thompson’s dedication is as wild as the journey his characters embark on. He dedicates the book to his attorney, stating, “To my attorney. . . and to the gods of irony.” This dedication sets the tone for the chaotic and surreal narrative that follows.

5. T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” (1922)

Eliot dedicated his influential poem to Ezra Pound, but the dedication takes an unusual turn. He refers to Pound as “il miglior fabbro,” Italian for “the better craftsman.” This dedication highlights the literary camaraderie between the two poets.

6. Dr. Seuss’s “Green Eggs and Ham” (1960)

The legendary children’s author Dr. Seuss dedicated this classic to his editor, Bennett Cerf, in a playful and rhyming manner. The dedication reads, “You made Sam-I-am and that Sam-I-am made us.”

7. Kurt Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle” (1963)

Vonnegut dedicated his satirical masterpiece to his family, with a particularly curious inclusion. He writes, “…and also to Georgie Woodcock,” leaving readers to wonder about the mysterious Georgie Woodcock and the significance of the dedication.

8. Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865)

Carroll’s dedication is a whimsical verse, praising the real-life Alice for whom the story was created. The dedication reflects the playful and imaginative spirit of the novel itself.

9. George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” (1945)

Orwell chose a political dedication for his allegorical novella. He dedicated “Animal Farm” to a list of individuals, including a French translator and a fellow writer. This reflects the political undertones and critique present in the novel.

10. Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” (1952)

Hemingway dedicated his classic novella to the memory of an old man, Santiago, portraying his deep connection to the character. The dedication adds a layer of poignancy to the timeless tale of struggle and resilience.