Julian Connolly's companion to Vladimir Nabokov's Invitation to a Beheading includes a general introduction discussing the work in the context of Nabokov's oeuvre as well as its place within the Russian literary tradition. Also included are primary sources and other background materials.

In an unnamed dream country, Cincinnatus C. is condemned to death by beheading for "gnostical turpitude", an imaginary crime that defies definition. After spending his last days in jail, he simply wills his executioners out of existence.