Check out this podcast of Kim Addonizio interviewing a number of Henry Miller aficionados about Henry's life in Big Sur, California. Featuring interviews with Miller's son Tony, as well as yours truly.
Listen here:
Playing Ping Pong with Henry Miller – an illuminating BBC podcast on how Big Sur transformed Miller. (Featuring some of your HML pals!)Henry Miller Memorial Library
Playing Ping Pong with Henry Miller – an illuminating BBC podcast on how Big Sur transformed Miller. (Featuring some of your HML pals!)Henry Miller Memorial Library
I always wondered who Henry Miller was; living in the Monterey area all my life, and hearing about the Henry Miller Library and all there events that go on there. Not once did I bother looking him up or asking about who he is. After listening to the podcast, and discovering how he was one of the most radical writers in his time. Miller being considered a misogynist or “the rugged men” of his time, because of his banned books in America before the 1960’s. Being a city man from Brooklyn, traveling the world only to find what he can call home some day. Only then did he find the tranquil waters of Big Sur’s hot springs, which would transform his outlook on life forever and keep him in Big Sur for the next 18 years. It was funny to hear on the podcast how Miller enjoyed the exclusivity and quiet environment, and all the ping pong he could play, that Big Sur community had in its time, and how his fame brought many travelers from around especially men, because of the tales of roaming naked women, which drove him to eventually leave Big Sur. It was also fascinating to hear how he still inspires women writers to be true themselves when they write, given his background of being called a “misogynist”. I am now curious than ever about Henry Miller and can’t wait to discover more about this influential artist.
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I had never really heard of Mr. Miller but it was interesting knowing more somewhat of his past life. I didn't know many people or women refer to him as a "dog", in my opinion he sounded like a mellow man who liked women and just expressed his feelings I found that interesting because just looking at his picture made him look as a conservative man who didn't say much but being a poet he had a lot to say and did so. He was pretty old when he found himself in the city of Big Sur and transformed in the poet he was once, he got married and had two children and started a life he didn't have back in Brooklyn or Paris. The way they expressed how he loved to play poker or ping pong is funny because that way his way of treating his guests, to play ping pong. Or even how he rather play than have a conversation with his guests, overall this man had many friends who had a lot to say about him in many good ways because he was a poet trying to get his voice heard and is a legend to many people who still remember him.
ReplyDeleteFor as much as I travel to big sur and have never heard of this man I have to say I can't wait to visit his memorial library on my next trip down the coast. What an amazing podcast! I especially appreciated the fact that he always lived somewhere by accident, never chosen. Being out in nature close to something that man didn't create was home to him. For those who have visited big sur, they understand the tranquility and peace it offers. Because of this peace Henry was able to form a wonderful relationship with his family and community. His story is inspirational and I'm looking forward to reading more about such a fascinating author.
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ReplyDeleteAfter listening to the Podcast, I decided read excerpts of some of his early work, I can see where some would be of the opinion that he was “anti” woman. However, it appears that his work in the 1940’s was influenced by his time spent in France. Europeans have always been more intimately open than Americans, so it is no surprise that between the graphic nature of his first books and the use colorful language, that the books were ban from the United States.
ReplyDeleteMr. Miller was obviously ahead of his time in his writing technique and subject matter, by American standards at that time, but was far from being the only author that was ban from publishing in the US, pre-1960’s.
It was interesting to hear what an amazing father and all around good neighbor Henry was to those that enjoyed his company and ping pong games in Big Sur. It seems that rural life was comforting for him at this particular time in his life.
TJohnson
Listening to this podcast makes me want to visit Big Sur again. As a child my family and I would visit often but over time the visit became less and less. I have heard the name Henry Miller but am ashamed to say I never knew who he was. It sounds like he was an amazing person, father and friend. To hear his son say they weren't poor in the things that count proved that. It's interesting that Henry Miller said Bis Sur was the face of the earth the way God intended it, I think that explains Big Sur to a T. It is a beautiful natural place that exudes peace. I look forward to learn more about Henry Miller.
ReplyDeleteAfter listening in on Henry Miller I am amazed at how rich our culture is in Monterey! I have never heard of Henry Miller until now and I have much admiration for him and his work. Yes, he was known as "misogynist" and pushed the envelope with his sexually provocative writing but he writes with true meaning, self acceptance and passion. I also agree that Big Sur changed him and helped develop his writing further. It is amazing to hear of what went on in his life, his family life, the people that came to him, where he spent his time - his visits to the now known "Esselen".
ReplyDeleteI am pleased to hear of all the work that has been done to preserve, promote and educate on his work.
I have already placed my book orders!
It was so amazing to learn about Henry MIller. The fact that he was a local is just astounding and something to feel proud about living in this region. Big Sur is so beautiful and I could completely understand how he would be inspired by the beautiful nature that surrounds us. It was really nice to know that his work is being preserved, and although his lifestyle was very controversial, I think what should be admired is his work.
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Wow. I had never heard of Henry Miller, and I've been living in the Monterey Bay area for as long as I can remember. I have gone to Big Sur however and I don't disagree as to why Miller decided to make it his home. It is very peaceful with amazing views, just as he described it. His misogynist writing was very controversial and people usually did not like his work, that is until he changed his style of writing inspired by the beautiful nature in Big Sur. He was also a great father, reading bed time stories to his children that instead of making them go to sleep they would just wonder and be eager to listen to more. He was also a great friend and a great companion to mostly anyone in Big Sur. He was very well known and people enjoyed his company. It was interesting to learn about Henry Miller and how his life changed while living in Big Sur.
ReplyDeleteWow good ol' Henry Miller. I actually have been to the Henry Miller Library and learned a little bit about this interesting man, but I feel like i never truly appreciated him until after this podcast. The podcast has shined light on how interesting he was and how many people he impacted. After visiting Esalen several times I understand completely why anyone would love Big Sur and fall in love. After searching through several of his readings i found a quote from the Tropic of Cancer that I am very fond of, "“I believe that today more than ever a book should be sought after even if it has only one great page in it. We must search for fragments, splinters, toenails, anything that has ore in it, anything that is capable of resuscitating the body and the soul.” I feel like this quote is applicable to so much more than just a book, but the point he portrays his spot on. Thanks for enlightening us on a genuinely fascinating gentlemen.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Big Sur but the way they describe it in the podcast makes me want to go. The way it is described it seems so peaceful and relaxing. It seems like a place where you can truly become in tune with nature and also yourself. However the way Millers life is described leads me to believe people are a little different than those who have all the luxuries such as television and video games and other things to do. It seems that the highlights of living out there were playing ping pong and listening to stories. Then again if Miller was able to start a new life and family in Big Sur, and although they didn't have much his children seem happy with their life there. I had never heard of Henry Miller before and if it was repeated throughout the podcast I would have never guessed he was infamous for his books that had been banned. Listening to the podcast and the way Big Sur is described in such detail it shows how peaceful and relaxing it is. The podcast also teaches about a different side to Henry Miller people wouldn't imagine because of his reputation.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first time hearing about Henry Miller. Someone from a city life known for his graphic writing ending up in Big Sur and changing his life style, we could say, is interesting to hear. He lived in the town for 18 years and started a family with two kids. In this podcast it says that people who where a bit strange were described as "rugged individuals" at this point in time. This could be why Henry Miller stayed in Big Sur for so long. He probably felt more accepted and comfortable with the way people were in that area. Another interesting thing that we hear in this is that he brought a lot of attention to the area because of his writing.
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic, I have never heard about Henry Miller let alone from Monterey bay area. I enjoy learning about his past, I think that it is funny how women talked about him, but to be honest he just seemed like any other men, that simply enjoyed himself. He started to get recognize by the bay, and thats what made him famous. I really enjoy this blog.
ReplyDeleteIt is no surprise that a majestic place like Big Sur could have transformed an erotic writer into a ping pong playing, long walk taking, story telling father. A person who once had his books banned from the American market, that certainly makes him an interesting individual. Only a place as beautiful and peaceful as Big Sur could do something like that, slow people down to enjoy the true beauty in life. It is always refreshing to learn about a Monterey County artist. With the Steinbeck Library encouraging people to read once banned books I am looking forward to adding Henry Miller into my list of authors beginning with Tropic of Cancer.
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Unfortunate, I am not familiar with his work, but from what I learned it would be nice to read one of his books to know about his experiences. I would not blame him of living in Big Sur for 18 years since it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. That leaves me with one question. Why did he leave such a remarkable place?
ReplyDeleteAfter listening to the podcast i learned about Henry Miller and what he did to have people remember his name. Henry Miller was looked down upon by a lot of women. The reason he was looked down upon was because his poetry described sexual content and at the time he wrote it was not acceptable by society. Now a days we can really appreciate his poetry because of how sexually open our nation has become!
ReplyDeleteIn his writing Miller also wrote about Big Sur;Big Sur is a beautiful city and is very close to us. It is located right by the coast so it has fresh air and the scenery is spectacular. Weather it is the soft sand or the roaring waves crashes on wet sand it really puts a human's state of mind in a tranquil, relaxed, and energized state.
It is amazing how a lot of stories in history like Henry Miller or John Steinbeck can be traced to be so close to us. California is historical state; its also beautiful.
I think that learning about people who live or have lived in our community is very interesting. I feel that it can be very inspirational to the people that live in the area. I thought that the podcast did an excellent job at describing Big Sur. The people in the podcast used very calm voices and seemed to bring the scenery to life. I liked the part where it said that people should speak truthfully. I believe that people need to be honest, even if it will hurt people. It would only make it worse if the lie is found out instead. For some reason when the people kept mentioning Henry Miller playing ping-pong, I kept picturing Forrest Gump playing ping-pong. People were describing the area and that made me think of Monterey. My mind went straight towards the restaurant Bubba Gump, but i digress. I think it will be very interesting learning more about Henry Miller and what he has done in our community. I may even read a few of his books.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I had never heard of Henry Miller, but it was really nice hearing about this writer who lived so close. I have never been to Big Sur, and the podcast makes me want to go because they describe Big Sur as a beautiful place. Henry loved Big Sur because he thought it was a humble place and because it is beautiful. His writing was more complex than what most people believed. Many of his books were banned because of the sexual content. However, later on they were published. I really enjoyed listening to his story because it is really interesting. I cannot believe that I had not heard of Henry Miller before, but it would be nice to go visit his library and see the place that he loved, Big Sur.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard anything about Hendry Miller before, but it was really interesting to learn a little about him and all the wonderful things he did. It was my first time listening to a podcast since I’m a visual learner, and I always thought that it would be boring, but I honestly loved it. I think it was funny how they say that if you wanted to bring a Henry Miller’s book to America, you had to hide it in your underwear since the books were banned. Tony Miller, Miller’s son, states “Living with my father was an experience like no other,” and I figure it was since Miller had a very unique personality. It surprised me a lot that for some time he lived in a cabin were you would find rattle snakes in the bathroom or bats. I cannot imagine such an artist like him living in those conditions. Moreover, I completely understand why Big Sur’s beauty inspired and humbled him. I look forward to learning more about Henry Miller and of course reading one of his books.
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