Henry Miller: The Inhuman Artist: A Philosophical Inquiry

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Against skeptics, Mnniste argues that Miller does indeed have a philosophy of his own, which underpins most of his texts. It is demonstrated that this philosophy, as a metaphysical sense of life, forms a system the understanding of which is necessary to adequately explain even some of the most basic of Miller's ideas. Building upon his notion of the inhuman artist, Miller's philosophical foundation is revealed through his literary attacks against the metaphysical design of the modern age. It is argued that, by repudiating some of the most potent elements of late modernity such as history, modern technology and an aesthetisized view of art, Miller paves the way for overcoming Western metaphysics. Finally it is showed that, philosophically, this aim is governed by Miller's idiosyncratic concept of art, in which one is led towards self-liberation through transcending the modern society and its dehumanizing pursuits.

Reviews

Mnnistes book offers a strong foundation for any systematic understanding of the overarching concepts informing the writers work. Miller claimed to lack a system, but, as Mnniste demonstrates, this very lack of a traditional approach is a hallmark of many innovative nineteenth- and twentieth-century philosophies. Mnnistes book will dispel many myths and distortions regarding Millers use of philosophical models as well as the meaning of his own ideas. -- James Decker, Illinois Central College, USA
The work of Henry Miller is undergoing a reappraisal today as the controversies of the 1970s recede. This reappraisal has been aesthetic and historical, but not yet philosophical, and Mnnistes work fills an important gap in the scholarship. It is persuasive and original, and will be an important resource for graduate and higher undergraduate students encountering or studying Millers work, as it is the first book to propose an underlying intellectual system behind Millers total output. -- Geoff Boucher, Senior Lecturer, School of Communications and Creative Arts, Deakin University, Australia
Written with diligence and precision, Mnniste's exploration of an overriding philosophy in the work of Henry Miller addresses an important aspect of twentieth-century Modernism. More than a reading of Miller's seminal works, this study presents a panorama of the intersections between art, philosophy and aesthetics; an invaluable read for both Miller fans and readers interested in the history of ideas. -- Caroline Blinder, Lecturer in English and American Literature, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK, and author of A Self-Made Surrealist: Ideology and Aesthetics in the Work of Henry Miller
Highlighting Miller's interest in various, global metaphysical traditions, particularly of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Europe, Mnniste's Henry Miller: The Inhuman Artist offers a timely perspective, reminding us why scholars have been paying closer attention to the philosophical undercurrents in Miller's work. -- Katy Masuga, Instructor of Comparative Literature, Skidmore College in Paris, France
What are rather complex philosophical differences are explained with great finesse by Manniste, and this in many ways is one of the main strengths of this book. Manniste shows an incredibly thorough grasp of the intricacies of Millers philosophical thought processes throughout his life. [...] This is a well-written, well-researched book that aims to place Miller as a philosophical writer, deserving of more respect than he currently receives from academia. It makes good use of the work that has been done by other Miller specialists and is absolutely representative of the high standard of analysis that Miller deserves. -- Jennifer Cowe, University of Glasgow, UK * The Journal of American Studies, Vol 48, Issue 04 *

Author Bio

Indrek Mnniste is Visiting Fellow in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Warwick, UK. He also currently works as a Marie Curie Research Fellow at University of Tartu, Estonia. His primary research interest is modernist literature and its philosophical implications.