Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus BoschIn his great triptych "The Millennium," Bosch used oranges and other fruits to symbolize the delights of Paradise. Whence Henry Miller's title for this, one of his most appealing books; first published in 1957, it tells the story of Miller's life on the Big Sur, a section of the California coast where he lived for fifteen years. Big Sur is the portrait of a place--one of the most colorful in the United States--and of the extraordinary people Miller knew there: writers (and writers who did not write), mystics seeking truth in meditation (and the not-so-saintly looking for sex-cults or celebrity), sophisticated children and adult innocents; geniuses, cranks and the unclassifiable, like Conrad Moricand, the "Devil in Paradise" who is one of Miller's greatest character studies. Henry Miller writes with a buoyancy and brimming energy that are infectious. He has a fine touch for comedy. But this is also a serious book--the testament of a free spirit who has broken through the restraints and clichés of modern life to find within himself his own kind of paradise. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
American Anderson Creek answer artist astrology began begin believe Beverly Glen Big Sur Butch called Chama child course Dianetics Doner dream Emil everything eyes feel fool French gave give hand happened head Henry Miller Hieronymus Bosch itch Jack Jaime de Angulo Jean Wharton Jesus Joseph Delteil kids knew Leon letter Lilik listen live look Mary Baker Eddy meal mean Milarepa mind Moricand morning nature neighbors never night Obelisk Press once one's painting paradise Paris Partington Ridge perhaps problem realize replied Robinson Jeffers Rosy Crucifixion seemed sense sometimes soul speak stand suddenly talk tell things thought tion told Tony took trying turn usually Varda walk Walker water colors What's wife wonder words write