Henry Miller in Paris

WHO AM I ? my BIO

preface

It might seem a bit odd tp wrote an article about a writer whose work I don’t especially enjoy, neither the content nor the writing style.

But I have a real affection for Henry Miller as a person. I’m drawn to his character,his presence, his voice, his view of the world, and his relationship with Paris. I find him unique, intriguing, inspiring and someone I believe, doesn’t leave people indifferent.

I also appreciate that he lived in, and deeply loved, the very same neighborhood I live in today in Paris. And I love that he shared a part of his life with Anaïs Nin, a writer who meant a lot to me when I was in my twenties. Her diary was a real companion to me for several years.

I enjoy walking in the footsteps of Henry Miller and Anaïs Nin, sitting at a café, thinking that he once sat there too… This thought makes me smile.

introduction

“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, deciding he wouldn’t return to the USA. He was 39 years old. He lived in Paris for nine years until the outbreak of World War II.

**It was in Paris that he wrote “Tropic of Cancer“** (and later “Tropic of Capricorn”), based on his life first in New York, then in Paris.

Tropic of Cancer was published in Paris in 1934, but banned in all English-speaking countries as it was considered obscene. His books remained banned in the USA for over two decades.

The first year in Paris

“I have no money, no ressources, no hopes.

I am the happiest man alive.”

Henry Miller

His first year in Paris was very difficult. He had little or no money, but he was determined to succeed.

He changed places to sleep almost every night and ate wherever someone would invite him.

He also painted: if someone gave him lunch, he would make a painting for them in return.

He began 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)

In “Quiet Days in Clichy”, (published in 1956), he wrote about that period as a broke 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.” Henry Miller

Anaïs Nin and life at Villa Seurat

Henry Miller said that his happiest moments in Paris were those spent at Villa Seurat.

He met Anaïs Nin in 1931. She was also a writer. A few years later, they shared an apartment in Villa Seurat in the 14th arrondissement of Paris (Montsouris neighborhood).

Anaïs Nin supported him financially and encouraged his writing. She even funded the first edition of “Tropic du Cancer”.

That time in Paris was highly creative for Miller. Around Villa Seurat, he built a strong and significant circle of artists and writers

He was inspired by French surrealists, and also by Georges Orwell.

Brassaï, the famous photographer, was one of Henry Miller’s closest friends and one of his biographers.

Henry Miller wrote that his happiest moment

in Paris were those in Villa Seurat

Villa Seurat

Villa Seurat is a short private street (but open to the public) with distinctive 1920s architecture, in Art Deco style. The houses were built between 1924 and 1926.

After World War II, Henry Miller moved to California, and he often said that his happiest memories in Paris were from his time at 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