“When Spring comes to Paris, the humblest mortal alive must feel that he dwells in paradise” Henry Miller.
In 1930, Henry Miller moved to Paris (while deciding he wouldn’t return to USA) – He was 39. He lived in Paris during 9 years until WW2.
This is where he wrote “Tropic of Cancer” (then “Tropic of Capricorn), which is based on his time in New York then in Paris. Tropic of Cancer was published in Paris in 1934 (but banned from publication in all English-speaking countries. Because seen as obscene, his books remained banned in the USA for over 2 decades.
“I have no money, no ressources, no hopes.
I am the happiest man alive.”
In “Quiet Days in Clichy”, (published in 1956), he wrote about his life in Paris, as a penniless writer.
-“I had to be completely broke, desperate, living like a tramp in the streets for me to start seeing and loving the real Paris. […] It was only in Paris, in 1930, that I became myself, that I finally found my way.”
The first year, Henry Miller had little or no money, but he was determined to succeed.
He used to change accommodation every night. He was invited to eat where he could
He also used to paint pictures : if people gave him lunch, he made the person a painting.
He started exploring Paris on foot. He was a great walker !
« I have no money, no resources, no hopes. I am the happiest man alive ». (Henry Miller)
He met Anaïs Nin (writer too) in 1931. Later they shared a flat in the 14th arrondissement of Paris (Villa Seurat) during a few years in Montsouris neighborhood.
Anaïs Nin supported him financially and encouraged his writing aspirations. She financed the first printing of Tropic du Cancer.
This period in Paris was highly creative for Miller. He established a significant and influential network of authors circulating around the Villa Seurat.
He was influenced by the French surrealists, and by Georges Orwell.
Brassaï, photographer was one of Henry Miller’s closest friends and one of his biographer
Henry Miller wrote that his happiest moment
in Paris were those in Villa Seurat
Villa Seurat has a particular architecture 1920 « Art Deco style. The buildings were built during a short periode between 1924 and 1926
After WWII, Henry Miller moved to California, and wrote that his happiest moment in Paris were those in the Villa Seurat.
Villa Seurat – a private cul-de-sac about 100 yards long on the east side of the Tombe Issoire street near n°100 – Metro stop : Denfert Rochereau or Alésia in Montsouris neighborhood
In 1940, he returned to New York
A few of the other locations where Henry Miller lived :
- In 1930, 2, rue Auguste Bartholdi, Paris 15;
- 5, rue Saint Louis en L’ïle (Paris 4),
- 135, boulevard Montparnasse (Paris 14th)
Henry Miller’s commandments :
