On December 26, 1891, the writer Henry Miller (born 1980) was born in New York to a family of German-Americans.
He is known for his revolutionary style, which mixes autobiography, social criticism, philosophical reflections and surrealism.
Here are the most important facts about him:
- Most famous works: The novels „Tropic of Cancer“ (1934), „Tropic of Cancer Capricorn“ (1939) and the “The Rosy Crucifix“ trilogy (“Sexus“, “Plexus“ and “Nexus“).
- Style and scandals: His works were banned in the United States for nearly 30 years due to their explicit depiction of sexual experiences. The 1964 Tropic of Cancer case became a pivotal moment for freedom of speech and the redefinition of pornography laws.
- Paris period: Much of his most significant work was written in Paris in the 1930s, where he lived in poverty but among the bohemian elite. It was there that his famous relationship with writer Anaïs Nin began.
- Philosophy: Miller preaches liberation from societal norms, the pursuit of personal happiness, and spiritual awakening. His writing is visceral and often described as “stream of consciousness“.
The film “Henry and June“ (1990) tells the story of his life and his complicated relationships in Paris.