THE DURRELL 8211 MILLER LETTERS 8211

The Durrell-Miller Letters, 1935-80, is a collection of nearly 1,000,000 words of correspondence between Henry Miller and Lawrence Durrell, spanning their creative lives. It includes previously unpublished letters and restored passages, offering a dual biography of two literary iconoclasts.

Format: Paperback
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: W W NORTON

In 1935, a young Englishman residing on the picturesque island of Corfu penned an enthusiastic letter to a middle-aged Brooklynite, who had recently achieved great success with a scandalous novel in Paris. The young man's excitement was palpable as he expressed his admiration for the novel, particularly noting how it seamlessly transitioned into a new and revitalized life. Henry Miller, recognizing the potential of this reader, responded with delight, stating that he was the first British individual to write him an insightful and intelligent letter regarding the book. This correspondence, spanning nearly 1,000,000 words and culminating with Miller's passing in 1980, stands as a testament to the profound connection and mutual admiration between the two literary giants.

The Durrell-Miller Letters, 1935-80, presents an extensive and representative collection of the entire correspondence between Lawrence Durrell and Henry Miller. Almost half of the present volume includes previously unpublished letters, some of which were recently recovered after being considered "lost." Additionally, many passages that were excised from letters published in 1963 have been restored, allowing readers to experience the full depth of their artistic exchange. Editor Ian S. MacNiven of the State University of New York, Maritime College, rightly views the Durrell-Miller correspondence as a dual biography, capturing the essence of the creative lives of two remarkable literary iconoclasts. This biography is characterized by a profound seriousness akin to Schopenhauer's philosophy, yet it possesses a captivating charm and allure reminiscent of fine wine.

The young Englishman's letter began with a heartfelt expression of admiration for the novel, highlighting its ability to transform and rejuvenate. He noted how the book had taken a bold turn, embracing a new life that had reclaimed its vitality and purpose. The author's enthusiasm was infectious, and it caught the attention of Henry Miller, who responded with genuine delight. Miller recognized the significance of this reader, someone who had taken the time to engage with his work on a profound level.

In his response, Miller expressed his appreciation for the young man's letter and acknowledged the importance of such thoughtful feedback from readers. He noted that it was rare to receive letters from British individuals who had a genuine understanding and appreciation for his writing. Miller's words were filled with warmth and gratitude, as he recognized the value of connecting with readers who shared his artistic vision.

From that moment on, the correspondence between Durrell and Miller blossomed into a rich and enduring exchange. They shared their thoughts, ideas, and experiences, exploring the complexities of life, literature, and the world around them. Their letters were filled with humor, introspection, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the human spirit.

Over the years, their correspondence covered a wide range of topics, from literature and philosophy to politics and travel. They discussed their own creative processes, the challenges of writing, and the importance of artistic expression. They exchanged ideas and critiques, offering each other valuable insights and support.

Despite their geographical distance and the passing of time, Durrell and Miller maintained a close and intimate relationship. They exchanged letters regularly, often responding to each other's thoughts and ideas within days or weeks. Their correspondence became a source of inspiration and solace for both of them, a way to connect with the world and each other despite the limitations of their respective lives.

In addition to their personal correspondence, Durrell and Miller also collaborated on several projects. They wrote articles and reviews for literary magazines, exchanged ideas for novels and plays, and even attempted to translate each other's works. Their creative partnership was a testament to their shared passion for literature and their desire to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

As the years passed, Durrell and Miller's correspondence continued to grow in length and depth. They shared their joys and sorrows, their triumphs and setbacks, and their deepest fears and desires. Their letters became a testament to the power of art and the human connection, a reminder that even in the face of adversity and distance, the written word can bridge gaps and bring people together.

In 1980, when Henry Miller passed away, the world lost a literary giant. His legacy, however, lives on through the Durrell-Miller Letters, which provide a glimpse into the creative minds of two extraordinary individuals. The correspondence between Durrell and Miller is a testament to the power of literature to inspire, challenge, and connect people across generations and borders.

The Durrell-Miller Letters, 1935-80, is a treasure trove of literary insights and personal revelations. It offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the creative lives of two literary iconoclasts, allowing readers to experience the depth of their artistic exchange and the profound connection they shared. The book is a testament to the enduring power of literature and the human spirit, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging with the world through the written word.

In conclusion, the Durrell-Miller Letters, 1935-80, is a remarkable collection of letters that captures the essence of the creative lives of Lawrence Durrell and Henry Miller. The correspondence between these two literary giants is a testament to the power of art and the human connection, and it offers a valuable insight into the minds of two extraordinary individuals. The book is a treasure trove of literary insights and personal revelations, and it serves as a reminder of the enduring power of literature and the human spirit.

ISBN-13: 9780811217309