The Devil at Large: Erica Jong on Henry Miller
by Erica Jong
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Description
Fearless, iconic poet, novelist, and feminist Erica Jong offers a fascinating in-depth appreciation of the controversial life and work of American literary giant Henry Miller Henry Miller (Tropic of Cancer) and Erica Jong (Fear of Flying) are true literary soul mates. Both authors have been, in equal measure, lauded for their creative genius and maligned for their frank treatment of human sexuality. So who better than Erica Jong to offer an expert appraisal and appreciation of Henry Miller, show more the man and his art? At once a critical study, a biography, a memoir of a remarkable friendship, and a celebration of the life and work of the author whom Erica Jong compares to Whitman, The Devil at Large explores the peaks and valleys of Miller's storied writing career. It examines his tumultuous relationships--including his doomed marriage to June Mansfield and his lifelong tenuous bond with his mother--and confirms his standing as a creative genius. Jong, a renowned feminist, courageously answers critics who accuse her subject of degrading women in his fiction, suggesting instead that he sought to demystify them by means of the "violent verbal magic of his books." With grace, wit, warmth, and intelligence, Jong brings readers close to the man and his writing. There has never been a more incisive and insightful analysis of this exceptional American master. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Erica Jong including rare photos and never-before-seen documents from the author's personal collection. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Strangely interesting writing of a feminist about a renowned male chauvinist writer.
Not so long ago I read about this book on the net and was thinking I should read it, only to discover that I referred to it in some detail in a monograph I wrote in the mid-nineties. Oh, so I'd read it; probably, I imagine, even owned a copy; wrote about it...and yet it would seem to be a most forgettable book.
I have this idea I keep giving Jong's books too many stars.
I have this idea I keep giving Jong's books too many stars.
The best book ever written on Henry Miller.
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Author Information
46+ Works 8,938 Members
Erica Jong was born on March 26, 1942. She received a B.A. from Barnard College and a M.A. in 18th Century English Literature from Columbia University. She also attended Columbia University's graduate writing program where she studied poetry. She has written numerous volumes of poetry, novels, and non-fiction works including Fruits and Vegetables, show more Fear of Flying, How to Save Your Own Life, Parachutes and Kisses, Sappho's Leap, Seducing the Demon: Writing for My Life, and It Was Eight Years Ago Today (But It Seems Like Eighty). She has received numerous awards including the United Nations Award for Excellence in Literature, Poetry magazine's Bess Hokin Prize, the Deauville Award for Literary Excellence, and the Sigmund Freud Award for Literature. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Devil at Large: Erica Jong on Henry Miller
- Original publication date
- 1993-09-02
- People/Characters
- Henry Miller
- Epigraph
- Because when you get down to the basic Henry Miller I think you'll find not hat you're dealing with a ex addict or an adventurer, you're dealing with a metaphysical, a juggler ... not a juggler but a magician, I think.... (show all)..I like all that's very serious...always looking for the secret of life...
- HENRY MILLER TO ERICA JONG, 1974
These novels will give way, by and by, to diaries or autobiographies - captivating books, if only a man knew how to choose among what he calls his experiences, that which is really his experience and how to record trut... (show all)h truly.
- RALPH WALDO EMERSON - Dedication
- For George Belmont
and to the memory of
Hortense Chabrier
Henry's gifts,
dear friends - First words
- Henry Miller and I met in a way that was most Millerish: by letter.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)He is offering us nothing less than life.
Classifications
- Genres
- Literature Studies and Criticism, Biography & Memoir, Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 818.5209 — Literature & rhetoric American literature in English American miscellaneous writings in English 20th Century 1900-1945 Biography
- LCC
- PS3525 .I5454 .Z712 — Language and Literature American literature American literature Individual authors 1900-1960
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 200
- Popularity
- 163,563
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (3.93)
- Languages
- 7 — Czech, Dutch, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 18
- ASINs
- 3
