The Smile at the Foot of the Ladder

Miller uses an elegant, melifluous style to tell a simple little story about a clown. This is the epitomy of a little gem.

My edition was illustrated with Miller's own paintings, a choice I found questionable after reading the epilogue. Miller's inspiration came from specific works by Miro, Chagall and others, while his own clown paintings have a more tenuous relationship with the tale. Still, I love his Clown with two mouths (one smiling, one frowning).

Another examination of the human psyche by the master of examination. Here Henry Miller shares with us his ardent gaze upon joy and sorrow, apprehension and courage, failure in success, and success in failure. Lovely.

This was my first ever book by Miller. And what a nice introduction it was. A sweet, short story about a clown just trying to be himself and live in the moment.

O Sorriso aos Pés da Escada foi escrito a pedido do pintor Fernand Léger. O compositor italiano Antonio Bilbalo compôs uma ópera a partir desta pequena e maravilhosa história do palhaço Augusto, que Miller classificou como a mais estranha das histórias que escrevera.