An entertaining read, 30 Sep 2007
Can anyone do perversion, sensuality and brutal honesty better than Henry Miller? Miller's writing can at times border on the self-obsessed, but perhaps that's due to his associating with Anais Nin, another profoundly self-absorbed (but equally skilled) writer. It's clear to see that Miller was interested in only one thing: himself. Nonetheless, this book makes for fascinating reading and there's no denying that Miller's prose is beautiful.


Energy, Life, Positivity, 19 Jun 2005
(Tropic of Cancer is the best example of Henry Miller's writing, and I will concentrate here on his writing in general, because there is no plot, characters or story to review in the conventional sense).

Many people comment on Miller's supposed eroticism or accuse him of being 'egotistical'. Both attitudes miss the point. You will be hard pressed to find his sexual adventures erotic or titillating - often funny, and more symbolic than anything, they generally make up much less than 10 per cent of his writing. As for being egotistical, well, he writes about himself - but then, the entire act of writing a book may be considered egotistical, otherwise the author would not bother the publisher in the first place.

Miller's writing is much more about being alive in way that tries to take in everything in the world at once (which can be too much for some people), and he conveys an energy and optimism that people seem to overlook when distracted by his frequent swearing (almost always 'sexual swearing'). His words resonate with a life force I have never found in another writer, and one can see how he inspired the beat generation.

His attitude to women tends also to be criticised, but he is no misogynist; he lived in a time where women had a place, and it was generally by the kitchen sink. Miller is only interested in enjoying frequent sex with as many women as possible, which at the time would have been more liberating than opressive. Also, Miller never comes out with any nonsense about how women should stay at home, or not go out to work, nor does he ever seem to want to control women. He treats men and women with equal disrespect, and is honest about himself in a way few writers dare to be.

If you enjoy Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, Allen Ginseberg or any of the beat generation or their followers, check out Henry Miller, as he is the source of energy from which all these writers drew some inspiration.

immense, 16 Oct 2003
the first henry miller book i read and still the best (mind you i've only managed three so far). to put it lightly, he was a very intense chap. you get the feeling he wrote it all as fast as he could. it's about when he lived in paris, the friends he made, the hunger he experienced and the near-endless stream of whores he dipped into. it's brilliant because he's so passionate, dark but funny in places. like nothing i'd ever read.

Life changing, 22 Aug 2002
This is an amazing book. If you're young, confused, full of energy yet not sure how to use it or express yourself, this book is a bible. Miller shows how the essential core of human self-belief can guide you through any adversity. Self-awareness, love of life and acceptance of the fact that anything is possible with sheer faith are at the heart of this book; on the surface is an intensely funny and readable picaresque odyssey full of earth and sex. You can read it and re-read it and it will always make you feel that life is worth it.

Love or Hate, 14 Sep 2001
I have often heard it commented that Miller is an author you'll either love or hate... Tropic of Cancer is gritty, sometimes crude, but always honest. Miller is one of those authors that lives what he writes, and I found it hard not to love the sometimes fragmatic portrayal of his time in Paris. Tropic of Cancer and its sister book Tropic of Capricorn are two compelling reads, highly recommended.

An entertaining read, 30 Sep 2007
Can anyone do perversion, sensuality and brutal honesty better than Henry Miller? Miller's writing can at times border on the self-obsessed, but perhaps that's due to his associating with Anais Nin, another profoundly self-absorbed (but equally skilled) writer. It's clear to see that Miller was interested in only one thing: himself. Nonetheless, this book makes for fascinating reading and there's no denying that Miller's prose is beautiful.


Energy, Life, Positivity, 19 Jun 2005
(Tropic of Cancer is the best example of Henry Miller's writing, and I will concentrate here on his writing in general, because there is no plot, characters or story to review in the conventional sense).

Many people comment on Miller's supposed eroticism or accuse him of being 'egotistical'. Both attitudes miss the point. You will be hard pressed to find his sexual adventures erotic or titillating - often funny, and more symbolic than anything, they generally make up much less than 10 per cent of his writing. As for being egotistical, well, he writes about himself - but then, the entire act of writing a book may be considered egotistical, otherwise the author would not bother the publisher in the first place.

Miller's writing is much more about being alive in way that tries to take in everything in the world at once (which can be too much for some people), and he conveys an energy and optimism that people seem to overlook when distracted by his frequent swearing (almost always 'sexual swearing'). His words resonate with a life force I have never found in another writer, and one can see how he inspired the beat generation.

His attitude to women tends also to be criticised, but he is no misogynist; he lived in a time where women had a place, and it was generally by the kitchen sink. Miller is only interested in enjoying frequent sex with as many women as possible, which at the time would have been more liberating than opressive. Also, Miller never comes out with any nonsense about how women should stay at home, or not go out to work, nor does he ever seem to want to control women. He treats men and women with equal disrespect, and is honest about himself in a way few writers dare to be.

If you enjoy Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, Allen Ginseberg or any of the beat generation or their followers, check out Henry Miller, as he is the source of energy from which all these writers drew some inspiration.

immense, 16 Oct 2003
the first henry miller book i read and still the best (mind you i've only managed three so far). to put it lightly, he was a very intense chap. you get the feeling he wrote it all as fast as he could. it's about when he lived in paris, the friends he made, the hunger he experienced and the near-endless stream of whores he dipped into. it's brilliant because he's so passionate, dark but funny in places. like nothing i'd ever read.

Life changing, 22 Aug 2002
This is an amazing book. If you're young, confused, full of energy yet not sure how to use it or express yourself, this book is a bible. Miller shows how the essential core of human self-belief can guide you through any adversity. Self-awareness, love of life and acceptance of the fact that anything is possible with sheer faith are at the heart of this book; on the surface is an intensely funny and readable picaresque odyssey full of earth and sex. You can read it and re-read it and it will always make you feel that life is worth it.

Love or Hate, 14 Sep 2001
I have often heard it commented that Miller is an author you'll either love or hate... Tropic of Cancer is gritty, sometimes crude, but always honest. Miller is one of those authors that lives what he writes, and I found it hard not to love the sometimes fragmatic portrayal of his time in Paris. Tropic of Cancer and its sister book Tropic of Capricorn are two compelling reads, highly recommended.

This is an utterly dire book, 02 Mar 2008
I must admit buying and reading this book because of the controversy associated with it and I was seriously disappointed, the fame its incured for being obscene or mysogynistic MUST be what makes it sell.

It is a rambling, stream of consciousness style piece of writing which you can easily afford to skip entire chapters, infact read the first and last five pages and you arent at a loss for content or comprehension of what is going or the writer is attempting to convey to reader.

In truth, matters of taste or literary pretension aside, this is not an easy or engaging read at all, you'll find as good life story or erotic content in blogs and that's saying something. If you are interested in erotic biography or fiction Anis Nin is a far better bet and more life affirming for sure.

not bad, not bad, 10 Mar 2007
im not going to write a serious review because im only a kid. i would just like to know why the person who gave one star thinks that something so bad is capable of producing depression - surely it has some power over you? it did for me; i felt almost sucidal after reading just some of this book when i was only seventeen, so be warned, there's a darkness to this text like no other i've experienced before, but it's because it's real. im reading it again now and im in love with it, the writing draws you in so that time can pass without you even realising. if it's actually the worst book you've ever read that's an achievment.

Vital, 27 Apr 2006
I read this book, having seen reviews on other sites, and having read Henry and June by Anais Nin and some of her other novels. People had made comments that this book changed their life, and their way of looking at the world. I found it liberating. There are moments of clarity which strike resonance and truly make you stand back and revalue the accepted. There is a review on this site that calls this book disgusting. They missed the point. By a long way. There is an energy and vitality to Millers writing that is infectious, and quite simply, brilliant.

Henry Miller does not hate humanity!, 15 Mar 2006
To say that Henry Miller hated humanity is a complete falsehood. To quote from his essay 'The Hour of Man': "By responding with a full spirit to any demand which is made upon us we aid our fellow man to help himself". The reaction of one of the other reviewers demonstrates the enduring greatness of this book, and that its power to shock lies not in its famed obscenity but in its unparalleled honesty. When I read Henry Miller I am continuously struck by the truthfullness of what I read. This can be too much for some people to bear, to quote from the same essay:
"We hide from the face of reality: it is too terrible, we think. Yet it is we, we, only we, who have created this hideous world. And it is we who will change it- by changing our own inner vision."
I should also say that Miller's prose style is virtuosic and NOT 'stream-of-consciousness'. Miller does not present us with the inner thoughts of characters written in such a way as to reflect the processes of thought. He writes mostly from the first person, but with such freedom and virtuosity as I have never come across. Like a bird trapped in a cage, Miller sings his heart out for the pure joy of it. Reading this book for the first time was the most moving experience I have ever had when engaging with a work of art.

Dreadful, 01 Feb 2006
This is a disgusting, sick book written by someone who obviously hated women, men, people in general, and himself.

I was unfortunate enough to read this book about five years ago, and can still remember the days-long depression that this humanity-hating dirge produced.

And, by the way, the writing is dreadful too. Do not be fooled by the trendies who loved it's now outdated 'stream-of-consciousness' style.

Of the 10,000 books that I have read in my life, this is the worst.

Why did I have to give it a star??!

An entertaining read, 30 Sep 2007
Can anyone do perversion, sensuality and brutal honesty better than Henry Miller? Miller's writing can at times border on the self-obsessed, but perhaps that's due to his associating with Anais Nin, another profoundly self-absorbed (but equally skilled) writer. It's clear to see that Miller was interested in only one thing: himself. Nonetheless, this book makes for fascinating reading and there's no denying that Miller's prose is beautiful.


Energy, Life, Positivity, 19 Jun 2005
(Tropic of Cancer is the best example of Henry Miller's writing, and I will concentrate here on his writing in general, because there is no plot, characters or story to review in the conventional sense).

Many people comment on Miller's supposed eroticism or accuse him of being 'egotistical'. Both attitudes miss the point. You will be hard pressed to find his sexual adventures erotic or titillating - often funny, and more symbolic than anything, they generally make up much less than 10 per cent of his writing. As for being egotistical, well, he writes about himself - but then, the entire act of writing a book may be considered egotistical, otherwise the author would not bother the publisher in the first place.

Miller's writing is much more about being alive in way that tries to take in everything in the world at once (which can be too much for some people), and he conveys an energy and optimism that people seem to overlook when distracted by his frequent swearing (almost always 'sexual swearing'). His words resonate with a life force I have never found in another writer, and one can see how he inspired the beat generation.

His attitude to women tends also to be criticised, but he is no misogynist; he lived in a time where women had a place, and it was generally by the kitchen sink. Miller is only interested in enjoying frequent sex with as many women as possible, which at the time would have been more liberating than opressive. Also, Miller never comes out with any nonsense about how women should stay at home, or not go out to work, nor does he ever seem to want to control women. He treats men and women with equal disrespect, and is honest about himself in a way few writers dare to be.

If you enjoy Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, Allen Ginseberg or any of the beat generation or their followers, check out Henry Miller, as he is the source of energy from which all these writers drew some inspiration.

immense, 16 Oct 2003
the first henry miller book i read and still the best (mind you i've only managed three so far). to put it lightly, he was a very intense chap. you get the feeling he wrote it all as fast as he could. it's about when he lived in paris, the friends he made, the hunger he experienced and the near-endless stream of whores he dipped into. it's brilliant because he's so passionate, dark but funny in places. like nothing i'd ever read.

Life changing, 22 Aug 2002
This is an amazing book. If you're young, confused, full of energy yet not sure how to use it or express yourself, this book is a bible. Miller shows how the essential core of human self-belief can guide you through any adversity. Self-awareness, love of life and acceptance of the fact that anything is possible with sheer faith are at the heart of this book; on the surface is an intensely funny and readable picaresque odyssey full of earth and sex. You can read it and re-read it and it will always make you feel that life is worth it.

Love or Hate, 14 Sep 2001
I have often heard it commented that Miller is an author you'll either love or hate... Tropic of Cancer is gritty, sometimes crude, but always honest. Miller is one of those authors that lives what he writes, and I found it hard not to love the sometimes fragmatic portrayal of his time in Paris. Tropic of Cancer and its sister book Tropic of Capricorn are two compelling reads, highly recommended.

This is an utterly dire book, 02 Mar 2008
I must admit buying and reading this book because of the controversy associated with it and I was seriously disappointed, the fame its incured for being obscene or mysogynistic MUST be what makes it sell.

It is a rambling, stream of consciousness style piece of writing which you can easily afford to skip entire chapters, infact read the first and last five pages and you arent at a loss for content or comprehension of what is going or the writer is attempting to convey to reader.

In truth, matters of taste or literary pretension aside, this is not an easy or engaging read at all, you'll find as good life story or erotic content in blogs and that's saying something. If you are interested in erotic biography or fiction Anis Nin is a far better bet and more life affirming for sure.

not bad, not bad, 10 Mar 2007
im not going to write a serious review because im only a kid. i would just like to know why the person who gave one star thinks that something so bad is capable of producing depression - surely it has some power over you? it did for me; i felt almost sucidal after reading just some of this book when i was only seventeen, so be warned, there's a darkness to this text like no other i've experienced before, but it's because it's real. im reading it again now and im in love with it, the writing draws you in so that time can pass without you even realising. if it's actually the worst book you've ever read that's an achievment.

Vital, 27 Apr 2006
I read this book, having seen reviews on other sites, and having read Henry and June by Anais Nin and some of her other novels. People had made comments that this book changed their life, and their way of looking at the world. I found it liberating. There are moments of clarity which strike resonance and truly make you stand back and revalue the accepted. There is a review on this site that calls this book disgusting. They missed the point. By a long way. There is an energy and vitality to Millers writing that is infectious, and quite simply, brilliant.

Henry Miller does not hate humanity!, 15 Mar 2006
To say that Henry Miller hated humanity is a complete falsehood. To quote from his essay 'The Hour of Man': "By responding with a full spirit to any demand which is made upon us we aid our fellow man to help himself". The reaction of one of the other reviewers demonstrates the enduring greatness of this book, and that its power to shock lies not in its famed obscenity but in its unparalleled honesty. When I read Henry Miller I am continuously struck by the truthfullness of what I read. This can be too much for some people to bear, to quote from the same essay:
"We hide from the face of reality: it is too terrible, we think. Yet it is we, we, only we, who have created this hideous world. And it is we who will change it- by changing our own inner vision."
I should also say that Miller's prose style is virtuosic and NOT 'stream-of-consciousness'. Miller does not present us with the inner thoughts of characters written in such a way as to reflect the processes of thought. He writes mostly from the first person, but with such freedom and virtuosity as I have never come across. Like a bird trapped in a cage, Miller sings his heart out for the pure joy of it. Reading this book for the first time was the most moving experience I have ever had when engaging with a work of art.

Dreadful, 01 Feb 2006
This is a disgusting, sick book written by someone who obviously hated women, men, people in general, and himself.

I was unfortunate enough to read this book about five years ago, and can still remember the days-long depression that this humanity-hating dirge produced.

And, by the way, the writing is dreadful too. Do not be fooled by the trendies who loved it's now outdated 'stream-of-consciousness' style.

Of the 10,000 books that I have read in my life, this is the worst.

Why did I have to give it a star??!

Makes me happy, 12 Jan 2008
This is on the surface a travel book about Greece, written in 1942. Miller tours Greece, alone and with friends. But it is the inner journey that matters most (still, one could not have done one without the other). If, normally, Miller's energy (pretty much unparalleled by any writer in the 20th century) is aggressive or angry, here he is happy, and the book just shines. I always get in a better mood, even just by reading a few pages (I've read the book some 7 times). I cannot recommend this book more - actually, this is THE book, of all I've read, I would most recommend to anyone.

A timeless snapshot!, 23 Apr 2007
I've read Miller's book countless times and always feel I'm traveling in Greece again. His writing and characters are larger than life (particularly Katsimbalis, the "Colossus" referenced in the title). The only book by Miller that I've really enjoyed, his passion for the subject makes up for any shortfalls. This is fine travel writing: personal philosophy, politics, and crystal clear word pictures of a unique land and people, delivered with respect and affection. Henry Miller's tribute to Greece - a vivid snapshot of a timeless culture!

ASTONISHING, 05 Jul 2006
This is Henry Miller at his finest. Although he is one of my alltime favourites, in this book he surpasses himself. The ironic cynisism that he uses along with his stupendous prose is immaculate. The fact that he (an American) rejects in all forms the USA because of his superior perception and intellect, seems in the eyes of the Greeks (of the time) horrifying. The book describes an era which although only 50-60 years ago, today seems like centuries in the past. Greece was underdeveloped at best and devastatingly poor. The average Greek dreamt (like all Europeans back then) to go to AMERICA in order to strike it rich. Miller dissolved that myth so he seemed like an alien at the time. He is an anarchist with irony as his weapon. A contemporary Socrates. Great BOOK!!!!

Wow, 14 Aug 2004
Miller's Mediterranean journey is very different from his other work. It's an amazing travelogue which is sadly hard to find in bookshops. Buy it, but make sure you've got enough money left for a flight to Athens.

The soul of Greece: The Colossus of Maroussi, 30 Jun 2004
This is a beautiful book, and I envy anyone who is about to read it for the first time. It is about Henry Miller's trip to Greece on the very verge of the Second World War, and what he found there in the simplicity, humanity and vitality of its people and the stunning, primitive beauty of Greece itself. Miller paints in words, with a full palette and bold brush, in his sensuous and powerfully evocative prose. He tells of the ancient places with a hallucinatory immediacy and intensity. It is above all a book about a personal experience, as vivid as the visions of childhood. Not a sexy book, in the way Millers's book earlier books are, but it is sensuous and profoundly erotic as great art often is. And this is great art. Immensely moving, indeed unforgettable.

An entertaining read, 30 Sep 2007
Can anyone do perversion, sensuality and brutal honesty better than Henry Miller? Miller's writing can at times border on the self-obsessed, but perhaps that's due to his associating with Anais Nin, another profoundly self-absorbed (but equally skilled) writer. It's clear to see that Miller was interested in only one thing: himself. Nonetheless, this book makes for fascinating reading and there's no denying that Miller's prose is beautiful.


Energy, Life, Positivity, 19 Jun 2005
(Tropic of Cancer is the best example of Henry Miller's writing, and I will concentrate here on his writing in general, because there is no plot, characters or story to review in the conventional sense).

Many people comment on Miller's supposed eroticism or accuse him of being 'egotistical'. Both attitudes miss the point. You will be hard pressed to find his sexual adventures erotic or titillating - often funny, and more symbolic than anything, they generally make up much less than 10 per cent of his writing. As for being egotistical, well, he writes about himself - but then, the entire act of writing a book may be considered egotistical, otherwise the author would not bother the publisher in the first place.

Miller's writing is much more about being alive in way that tries to take in everything in the world at once (which can be too much for some people), and he conveys an energy and optimism that people seem to overlook when distracted by his frequent swearing (almost always 'sexual swearing'). His words resonate with a life force I have never found in another writer, and one can see how he inspired the beat generation.

His attitude to women tends also to be criticised, but he is no misogynist; he lived in a time where women had a place, and it was generally by the kitchen sink. Miller is only interested in enjoying frequent sex with as many women as possible, which at the time would have been more liberating than opressive. Also, Miller never comes out with any nonsense about how women should stay at home, or not go out to work, nor does he ever seem to want to control women. He treats men and women with equal disrespect, and is honest about himself in a way few writers dare to be.

If you enjoy Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, Allen Ginseberg or any of the beat generation or their followers, check out Henry Miller, as he is the source of energy from which all these writers drew some inspiration.

immense, 16 Oct 2003
the first henry miller book i read and still the best (mind you i've only managed three so far). to put it lightly, he was a very intense chap. you get the feeling he wrote it all as fast as he could. it's about when he lived in paris, the friends he made, the hunger he experienced and the near-endless stream of whores he dipped into. it's brilliant because he's so passionate, dark but funny in places. like nothing i'd ever read.

Life changing, 22 Aug 2002
This is an amazing book. If you're young, confused, full of energy yet not sure how to use it or express yourself, this book is a bible. Miller shows how the essential core of human self-belief can guide you through any adversity. Self-awareness, love of life and acceptance of the fact that anything is possible with sheer faith are at the heart of this book; on the surface is an intensely funny and readable picaresque odyssey full of earth and sex. You can read it and re-read it and it will always make you feel that life is worth it.

Love or Hate, 14 Sep 2001
I have often heard it commented that Miller is an author you'll either love or hate... Tropic of Cancer is gritty, sometimes crude, but always honest. Miller is one of those authors that lives what he writes, and I found it hard not to love the sometimes fragmatic portrayal of his time in Paris. Tropic of Cancer and its sister book Tropic of Capricorn are two compelling reads, highly recommended.

This is an utterly dire book, 02 Mar 2008
I must admit buying and reading this book because of the controversy associated with it and I was seriously disappointed, the fame its incured for being obscene or mysogynistic MUST be what makes it sell.

It is a rambling, stream of consciousness style piece of writing which you can easily afford to skip entire chapters, infact read the first and last five pages and you arent at a loss for content or comprehension of what is going or the writer is attempting to convey to reader.

In truth, matters of taste or literary pretension aside, this is not an easy or engaging read at all, you'll find as good life story or erotic content in blogs and that's saying something. If you are interested in erotic biography or fiction Anis Nin is a far better bet and more life affirming for sure.

not bad, not bad, 10 Mar 2007
im not going to write a serious review because im only a kid. i would just like to know why the person who gave one star thinks that something so bad is capable of producing depression - surely it has some power over you? it did for me; i felt almost sucidal after reading just some of this book when i was only seventeen, so be warned, there's a darkness to this text like no other i've experienced before, but it's because it's real. im reading it again now and im in love with it, the writing draws you in so that time can pass without you even realising. if it's actually the worst book you've ever read that's an achievment.

Vital, 27 Apr 2006
I read this book, having seen reviews on other sites, and having read Henry and June by Anais Nin and some of her other novels. People had made comments that this book changed their life, and their way of looking at the world. I found it liberating. There are moments of clarity which strike resonance and truly make you stand back and revalue the accepted. There is a review on this site that calls this book disgusting. They missed the point. By a long way. There is an energy and vitality to Millers writing that is infectious, and quite simply, brilliant.

Henry Miller does not hate humanity!, 15 Mar 2006
To say that Henry Miller hated humanity is a complete falsehood. To quote from his essay 'The Hour of Man': "By responding with a full spirit to any demand which is made upon us we aid our fellow man to help himself". The reaction of one of the other reviewers demonstrates the enduring greatness of this book, and that its power to shock lies not in its famed obscenity but in its unparalleled honesty. When I read Henry Miller I am continuously struck by the truthfullness of what I read. This can be too much for some people to bear, to quote from the same essay:
"We hide from the face of reality: it is too terrible, we think. Yet it is we, we, only we, who have created this hideous world. And it is we who will change it- by changing our own inner vision."
I should also say that Miller's prose style is virtuosic and NOT 'stream-of-consciousness'. Miller does not present us with the inner thoughts of characters written in such a way as to reflect the processes of thought. He writes mostly from the first person, but with such freedom and virtuosity as I have never come across. Like a bird trapped in a cage, Miller sings his heart out for the pure joy of it. Reading this book for the first time was the most moving experience I have ever had when engaging with a work of art.

Dreadful, 01 Feb 2006
This is a disgusting, sick book written by someone who obviously hated women, men, people in general, and himself.

I was unfortunate enough to read this book about five years ago, and can still remember the days-long depression that this humanity-hating dirge produced.

And, by the way, the writing is dreadful too. Do not be fooled by the trendies who loved it's now outdated 'stream-of-consciousness' style.

Of the 10,000 books that I have read in my life, this is the worst.

Why did I have to give it a star??!

Makes me happy, 12 Jan 2008
This is on the surface a travel book about Greece, written in 1942. Miller tours Greece, alone and with friends. But it is the inner journey that matters most (still, one could not have done one without the other). If, normally, Miller's energy (pretty much unparalleled by any writer in the 20th century) is aggressive or angry, here he is happy, and the book just shines. I always get in a better mood, even just by reading a few pages (I've read the book some 7 times). I cannot recommend this book more - actually, this is THE book, of all I've read, I would most recommend to anyone.

A timeless snapshot!, 23 Apr 2007
I've read Miller's book countless times and always feel I'm traveling in Greece again. His writing and characters are larger than life (particularly Katsimbalis, the "Colossus" referenced in the title). The only book by Miller that I've really enjoyed, his passion for the subject makes up for any shortfalls. This is fine travel writing: personal philosophy, politics, and crystal clear word pictures of a unique land and people, delivered with respect and affection. Henry Miller's tribute to Greece - a vivid snapshot of a timeless culture!

ASTONISHING, 05 Jul 2006
This is Henry Miller at his finest. Although he is one of my alltime favourites, in this book he surpasses himself. The ironic cynisism that he uses along with his stupendous prose is immaculate. The fact that he (an American) rejects in all forms the USA because of his superior perception and intellect, seems in the eyes of the Greeks (of the time) horrifying. The book describes an era which although only 50-60 years ago, today seems like centuries in the past. Greece was underdeveloped at best and devastatingly poor. The average Greek dreamt (like all Europeans back then) to go to AMERICA in order to strike it rich. Miller dissolved that myth so he seemed like an alien at the time. He is an anarchist with irony as his weapon. A contemporary Socrates. Great BOOK!!!!

Wow, 14 Aug 2004
Miller's Mediterranean journey is very different from his other work. It's an amazing travelogue which is sadly hard to find in bookshops. Buy it, but make sure you've got enough money left for a flight to Athens.

The soul of Greece: The Colossus of Maroussi, 30 Jun 2004
This is a beautiful book, and I envy anyone who is about to read it for the first time. It is about Henry Miller's trip to Greece on the very verge of the Second World War, and what he found there in the simplicity, humanity and vitality of its people and the stunning, primitive beauty of Greece itself. Miller paints in words, with a full palette and bold brush, in his sensuous and powerfully evocative prose. He tells of the ancient places with a hallucinatory immediacy and intensity. It is above all a book about a personal experience, as vivid as the visions of childhood. Not a sexy book, in the way Millers's book earlier books are, but it is sensuous and profoundly erotic as great art often is. And this is great art. Immensely moving, indeed unforgettable.

a must read for former, present, or future expatriates, 18 Jun 1999
I read the first half of this book in the US, the second in France, and it was not until then that i truly appreciated this materpiece. The prose is powerful yet in a casual, spoken english. The story seems so disjointed and unconnected, until at the end, everything becomes connected in a complete circle, the french way.

You do not have to be a man..., 05 Jun 1999
What more need I say?

Literary Pornography, 10 Feb 1998
This is the Miller your mother warned you about. If you enjoy literary pornography then this is definitely the book you're looking for. It is not a novel in the conventional sense but a series of vignettes designed to titillate and ultimately surprise; mission accomplished.

An entertaining read, 30 Sep 2007
Can anyone do perversion, sensuality and brutal honesty better than Henry Miller? Miller's writing can at times border on the self-obsessed, but perhaps that's due to his associating with Anais Nin, another profoundly self-absorbed (but equally skilled) writer. It's clear to see that Miller was interested in only one thing: himself. Nonetheless, this book makes for fascinating reading and there's no denying that Miller's prose is beautiful.


Energy, Life, Positivity, 19 Jun 2005
(Tropic of Cancer is the best example of Henry Miller's writing, and I will concentrate here on his writing in general, because there is no plot, characters or story to review in the conventional sense).

Many people comment on Miller's supposed eroticism or accuse him of being 'egotistical'. Both attitudes miss the point. You will be hard pressed to find his sexual adventures erotic or titillating - often funny, and more symbolic than anything, they generally make up much less than 10 per cent of his writing. As for being egotistical, well, he writes about himself - but then, the entire act of writing a book may be considered egotistical, otherwise the author would not bother the publisher in the first place.

Miller's writing is much more about being alive in way that tries to take in everything in the world at once (which can be too much for some people), and he conveys an energy and optimism that people seem to overlook when distracted by his frequent swearing (almost always 'sexual swearing'). His words resonate with a life force I have never found in another writer, and one can see how he inspired the beat generation.

His attitude to women tends also to be criticised, but he is no misogynist; he lived in a time where women had a place, and it was generally by the kitchen sink. Miller is only interested in enjoying frequent sex with as many women as possible, which at the time would have been more liberating than opressive. Also, Miller never comes out with any nonsense about how women should stay at home, or not go out to work, nor does he ever seem to want to control women. He treats men and women with equal disrespect, and is honest about himself in a way few writers dare to be.

If you enjoy Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, Allen Ginseberg or any of the beat generation or their followers, check out Henry Miller, as he is the source of energy from which all these writers drew some inspiration.

immense, 16 Oct 2003
the first henry miller book i read and still the best (mind you i've only managed three so far). to put it lightly, he was a very intense chap. you get the feeling he wrote it all as fast as he could. it's about when he lived in paris, the friends he made, the hunger he experienced and the near-endless stream of whores he dipped into. it's brilliant because he's so passionate, dark but funny in places. like nothing i'd ever read.

Life changing, 22 Aug 2002
This is an amazing book. If you're young, confused, full of energy yet not sure how to use it or express yourself, this book is a bible. Miller shows how the essential core of human self-belief can guide you through any adversity. Self-awareness, love of life and acceptance of the fact that anything is possible with sheer faith are at the heart of this book; on the surface is an intensely funny and readable picaresque odyssey full of earth and sex. You can read it and re-read it and it will always make you feel that life is worth it.

Love or Hate, 14 Sep 2001
I have often heard it commented that Miller is an author you'll either love or hate... Tropic of Cancer is gritty, sometimes crude, but always honest. Miller is one of those authors that lives what he writes, and I found it hard not to love the sometimes fragmatic portrayal of his time in Paris. Tropic of Cancer and its sister book Tropic of Capricorn are two compelling reads, highly recommended.

This is an utterly dire book, 02 Mar 2008
I must admit buying and reading this book because of the controversy associated with it and I was seriously disappointed, the fame its incured for being obscene or mysogynistic MUST be what makes it sell.

It is a rambling, stream of consciousness style piece of writing which you can easily afford to skip entire chapters, infact read the first and last five pages and you arent at a loss for content or comprehension of what is going or the writer is attempting to convey to reader.

In truth, matters of taste or literary pretension aside, this is not an easy or engaging read at all, you'll find as good life story or erotic content in blogs and that's saying something. If you are interested in erotic biography or fiction Anis Nin is a far better bet and more life affirming for sure.

not bad, not bad, 10 Mar 2007
im not going to write a serious review because im only a kid. i would just like to know why the person who gave one star thinks that something so bad is capable of producing depression - surely it has some power over you? it did for me; i felt almost sucidal after reading just some of this book when i was only seventeen, so be warned, there's a darkness to this text like no other i've experienced before, but it's because it's real. im reading it again now and im in love with it, the writing draws you in so that time can pass without you even realising. if it's actually the worst book you've ever read that's an achievment.

Vital, 27 Apr 2006
I read this book, having seen reviews on other sites, and having read Henry and June by Anais Nin and some of her other novels. People had made comments that this book changed their life, and their way of looking at the world. I found it liberating. There are moments of clarity which strike resonance and truly make you stand back and revalue the accepted. There is a review on this site that calls this book disgusting. They missed the point. By a long way. There is an energy and vitality to Millers writing that is infectious, and quite simply, brilliant.

Henry Miller does not hate humanity!, 15 Mar 2006
To say that Henry Miller hated humanity is a complete falsehood. To quote from his essay 'The Hour of Man': "By responding with a full spirit to any demand which is made upon us we aid our fellow man to help himself". The reaction of one of the other reviewers demonstrates the enduring greatness of this book, and that its power to shock lies not in its famed obscenity but in its unparalleled honesty. When I read Henry Miller I am continuously struck by the truthfullness of what I read. This can be too much for some people to bear, to quote from the same essay:
"We hide from the face of reality: it is too terrible, we think. Yet it is we, we, only we, who have created this hideous world. And it is we who will change it- by changing our own inner vision."
I should also say that Miller's prose style is virtuosic and NOT 'stream-of-consciousness'. Miller does not present us with the inner thoughts of characters written in such a way as to reflect the processes of thought. He writes mostly from the first person, but with such freedom and virtuosity as I have never come across. Like a bird trapped in a cage, Miller sings his heart out for the pure joy of it. Reading this book for the first time was the most moving experience I have ever had when engaging with a work of art.

Dreadful, 01 Feb 2006
This is a disgusting, sick book written by someone who obviously hated women, men, people in general, and himself.

I was unfortunate enough to read this book about five years ago, and can still remember the days-long depression that this humanity-hating dirge produced.

And, by the way, the writing is dreadful too. Do not be fooled by the trendies who loved it's now outdated 'stream-of-consciousness' style.

Of the 10,000 books that I have read in my life, this is the worst.

Why did I have to give it a star??!

Makes me happy, 12 Jan 2008
This is on the surface a travel book about Greece, written in 1942. Miller tours Greece, alone and with friends. But it is the inner journey that matters most (still, one could not have done one without the other). If, normally, Miller's energy (pretty much unparalleled by any writer in the 20th century) is aggressive or angry, here he is happy, and the book just shines. I always get in a better mood, even just by reading a few pages (I've read the book some 7 times). I cannot recommend this book more - actually, this is THE book, of all I've read, I would most recommend to anyone.

A timeless snapshot!, 23 Apr 2007
I've read Miller's book countless times and always feel I'm traveling in Greece again. His writing and characters are larger than life (particularly Katsimbalis, the "Colossus" referenced in the title). The only book by Miller that I've really enjoyed, his passion for the subject makes up for any shortfalls. This is fine travel writing: personal philosophy, politics, and crystal clear word pictures of a unique land and people, delivered with respect and affection. Henry Miller's tribute to Greece - a vivid snapshot of a timeless culture!

ASTONISHING, 05 Jul 2006
This is Henry Miller at his finest. Although he is one of my alltime favourites, in this book he surpasses himself. The ironic cynisism that he uses along with his stupendous prose is immaculate. The fact that he (an American) rejects in all forms the USA because of his superior perception and intellect, seems in the eyes of the Greeks (of the time) horrifying. The book describes an era which although only 50-60 years ago, today seems like centuries in the past. Greece was underdeveloped at best and devastatingly poor. The average Greek dreamt (like all Europeans back then) to go to AMERICA in order to strike it rich. Miller dissolved that myth so he seemed like an alien at the time. He is an anarchist with irony as his weapon. A contemporary Socrates. Great BOOK!!!!

Wow, 14 Aug 2004
Miller's Mediterranean journey is very different from his other work. It's an amazing travelogue which is sadly hard to find in bookshops. Buy it, but make sure you've got enough money left for a flight to Athens.

The soul of Greece: The Colossus of Maroussi, 30 Jun 2004
This is a beautiful book, and I envy anyone who is about to read it for the first time. It is about Henry Miller's trip to Greece on the very verge of the Second World War, and what he found there in the simplicity, humanity and vitality of its people and the stunning, primitive beauty of Greece itself. Miller paints in words, with a full palette and bold brush, in his sensuous and powerfully evocative prose. He tells of the ancient places with a hallucinatory immediacy and intensity. It is above all a book about a personal experience, as vivid as the visions of childhood. Not a sexy book, in the way Millers's book earlier books are, but it is sensuous and profoundly erotic as great art often is. And this is great art. Immensely moving, indeed unforgettable.

a must read for former, present, or future expatriates, 18 Jun 1999
I read the first half of this book in the US, the second in France, and it was not until then that i truly appreciated this materpiece. The prose is powerful yet in a casual, spoken english. The story seems so disjointed and unconnected, until at the end, everything becomes connected in a complete circle, the french way.

You do not have to be a man..., 05 Jun 1999
What more need I say?

Literary Pornography, 10 Feb 1998
This is the Miller your mother warned you about. If you enjoy literary pornography then this is definitely the book you're looking for. It is not a novel in the conventional sense but a series of vignettes designed to titillate and ultimately surprise; mission accomplished.

Henry Miller, Quiet Days in Clichy, 28 Sep 2007
Written in the 1940's, but only published in 1956, with photograph's from Brassaï, his hungarian fellow on whom the character of the photographer from Tropic of Cancer was based on, is an account of Miller's Paris years in the 30's (and not in the 20's!), when, tired of living in hotels, he moves to Clichy with his friend Alfred Perles. Looking for a home, as Brassaï described in the first of his too biographies on Miller: Henry Miller, Grandeur Nature. Though not as elaborated as the Tropics, it is a very interesting novel on the relationship between the artist and Paris during the in-between wars period, where the city becomes an important character, mainly through his encounters with prostitutes and his flânerie in the city, contrasting with his life in New York, where commodification of the individual means total alienation of the subject in general, and of the artist in particular. Unfortunately, the most recent editions of the book do not include Brassaï's photographs, but their dialogue with the novel is very interesting and a new edition including them would be of high interest.

millermania, 24 Oct 1998
miller as always on himself in the paris-years,allthough you cannot believe him. but it's not on that level at all.it is as always the writing that takes control and pushes the man and his mind forward to.....in the edition i read it was with the beautiful fotos by brassai...by the way the danish painter/provo/director/vandalist/situationist:jens jørgen thorsen made a film based on this book.but dont look it up,please!