Henry Miller and George Orwell found inspiration in the
streets and cafes of Paris. This week I have a look at
some of the differences in perception and philosophy that
divide the two writers.
authors continue to be read and their books remain in
print. Both remain controversial. Their books have been
banned and censored. That is a testament to any writer.
It is evidence their literary work touched upon universal
human values that persist through time. It is also evidence
that the powerful have always monitored our reading choices.
In most times and places, there is a unifying theme: What
is not propaganda is a threat. Neither Orwell nor Miller
wrote propaganda, and instead sought to explore the truth.
truth telling is a dangerous business.
the world of noir, the world is a shabby, corrupt place
and the whip cracks on the backs of those who fail to
make the required compromises. Most readers don’t think
of either Miller or Orwell as noir writers. Orwell created
dystopia worlds; Miller created neither dystopia nor utopian
worlds. Henry Miller placed a literary magnifying glass
over a sub-culture in Paris where hedonism, creativity,
poverty, the arts and friendship bloomed.
a read of this week’s essay: http://cgmoore.com/blog/
recommendation of the week: Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind.