107 - Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

In this episode, David and Nathan delve into Henry Miller's controversial and groundbreaking novel "Tropic of Cancer."

Published in 1934, this semi-autobiographical work was banned in the US and the UK upon its release due to its explicit content. Despite—and perhaps in part because of—its ban, "Tropic of Cancer" has endured as a provocative and essential piece of literature. 

Discussed on this episode, historical context (with a lot of help from George Orwell’s essay "Inside the Whale," which contextualizes the novel superbly), mysticism, narcissism, surrealism, c*cks and c*nts, general vulgarity, and authenticity. 

This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of "Tropic of Cancer," addressing both its literary significance and the moral dilemmas it poses, making it a rich conversation for fans and critics of Henry Miller alike.

This episode serves as a comprehensive, though by no means exhaustive, exploration of "Tropic of Cancer” that we hope you enjoy.  

As always, please leave comments, reviews, and buy some books through the podcast’s website to support future episodes.

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Note: The photographs at the opening of the YouTube version of the episode come from Henry Miller’s personal friend Brassaï (Gyula Halász), a 20th century Hungarian–French photographer, sculptor, filmmaker, and writer (even a book on Miller’s Paris Years).

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