American author Henry Miller (December 26, 1891 – June 7, 1980)), was a liberating influence in literature in the late 1950s, mostly due to his most important novels, which were banned from publication and sale for many years in the US.
Miller was a literary innovator for his brilliant writing and for developing a new type of semi-autobiographical novel. In his works he blended character study, social criticism, philosophical reflection, mysticism, explicit language, and sex. His striking descriptions of real life won praise from many other famous writers.
Miller’s finest works are Tropic of Cancer, Black Spring, Tropic of Capricorn, and The Rosy Crucifixion trilogy. Many were outraged by the more adult passages included, particularly in Tropic of Cancer, which was labeled as “obscene.”
The author had to go
to court to lift a ban on his work, and in 1961 he finally succeeded. While the
controversy continued among critics, the publicity helped the book become a
best-seller.
This was a life
changing experience for Miller – he lived a life of poverty in Paris but came
to be a successful and respected writer in the United States.
Here are 25 Henry Miller quotes on the secret of living joyously.
Flavia Medrut is a freelance writer, researcher and part-time psychologist. She believes music, long walks and a good sense of humor are imperative in keeping one’s sanity.