Customer Reviews

Henry Miller: The Paris Years

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This book is a must-read for Henry Miller devotees who want to understand the genesis of this great writer. Written by his close friend Brassai a fascinating story is told about Miller's down and out days in Paris during the 1930's and how his vision of writing developed. It is replete with personal anecdotes about Miller's views of Paris, his hatred (ambivalent as it was) of his homeland and his relations with the women in his life. It more than anything shows Miller as the writer refusing to sell-out by having the essence of his writing edited away by the censorius literary status quo of his day.

Although Miller's books are largely autobiographical, it is sometimes difficult to discern "Henry Miller" from "Henry Miller's world". In reading this book by Brassai, we learn some of the methods Miller used to construct his world-- thus providing a deeper understanding of the man. While this book is by no means exhaustive, it does provide a glimpse into the man. There are numerous descriptions of Henry Miller available, but to get an insider's view, it is essential to read this book written by a man who knew Miller as well as any person can know another.

Through this amazing memior, the reader gets a rare insight into the true nature of the mysterious Henry Miller. While most of his books are autobiographical, it's hard to separate fact from fiction. Henry Miller is a much more interesting and complex person than he portrays himself in his books. I highly recommend this book to any fans of Henry Miller as well as anyone who wants to better understand the infamous author of Tropic of Cancer.

Only an artist can truly evaluate another artist. The photographer Brassai gives a street-level account of the years that made Henry Miller the writer that he was. This is one of the better biographies written about Miller. The real essence of Miller is captured in the cover photograph and in the pages. Miller was charming, intelligent and at times could be heartless and cruel - all of this is demonstrated by Brassai in a factual account of ten years. The women in his life, wife June and Anais Nin were as much of a driving force in his craft as the poverty and streets of Paris. Great account of Miller's life - nasty warts and all - as any I have read about him.

from the man that created the book "paris by night" - photographer brassai reflects on henry miller's paris years. they were friends and together paint a picture of one of the greatest moments in history - paris before WW2.