Sexus

by Henry Miller

Book Overview

Henry Miller's monumental venture in self-revelation was begun with his Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, which on their American publication were hailed as "miraculous," "superb," "ribald," "brilliant," and "shamelessly shocking." Sexus is the first volume of a series called The Rosy Crucifixion, in which Miller completes his major life work. It was written in the United States during World War II, and first published in Paris in 1949...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802151809
• ISBN13: 9780802151803
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Grove Press
• Length: 506 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 5.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

An astonishing work

In 40 years of reading, no book has had as much influence on me as Sexus, part one of Henry Miller's ribald, rambling autobiographical trilogy, based on his relationship with his wife June (here called Mara, then Mona). The events of the book center around his original meeting with Mara/Mona and from there spiral outwards in many directions, gathering in a wide variety of bizarre and loveable characters, and showcasing Miller's unparalleled ear for language and gift for description.Yes, there is plenty of sex in Sexus, more so in fact than in any other Miller work. Yes, much of it can be dismissed as misogynistic chest-beating. The sexual passages are not sensuous or romantic or even erotic; they are satirical and in most cases hysterically funny. While some readers will of course be put off by graphic sex of any kind, those with flexible tastes are in for some good laughs, as well as virtuoso displays of first rate writing talent."Dirty parts" aside, this vast ocean of a book tells a powerful story that is compulsively readable throughout. It is more accessible than the "Tropics" pieces, which are more surrealist and abstract; here Miller employs a much more straightforward narrative.This is probably one of the four or five most important works in English to be published in the 20th century (and is in many respects a repudiation of 19th century literature). Highly recommended for anyone with a halfway-open mind.

Life Without Compromise

If you are an artist, an artist in the making, or a person who rejects the hum-drum definition of "life" "job" "relationship", and are seeking somthing much grander and more meaningful from your life, then Henry Miller should be your guru. He is enchanting, inspiring, hirarious, reckless, and....far far far above anything else, a literary master. Sexus is astonishing in its power, and charming in its silliness....and it can get really raunchy so you prudes should avoid it. Also highly recommended is Miller's "The Books In My Life" at the end of which our dear Henry lists the hundred books which influenced him most! A priceless compendium which has yielded treasure after treasure to me which I am sure I would never have heard of otherwise.