Henry Miller: The Inhuman Artist: A Philosophical Inquiry

by Indrek Männiste

Against skeptics, Manniste 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.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published June 20, 2013

Reviews

[Max Brodsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on one of the 20th century's heard of but ignored authors. My biggest problem with the book was the importance the author had on placing Miller within historical context. While I can understand that by doing so it can help explain his importance with his contemporaries, it also limits an understanding of Miller to a narrow spectrum.