Henry Miller: Inhuman Artist, The: Philosophical Inquiry, A

Description: 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.

Review: Since most of Miller's commentators have focused on only a few of his influences - or at best have tackled Miller's philosophy in piecemeal fashion - Manniste's book offers a strong foundation for any systematic understanding of the overarching concepts informing the writer's work. Miller claimed to lack a system, but, as Manniste demonstrates, this very lack of a traditional approach is a hallmark of many innovative nineteenth- and twentieth-century philosophies. Manniste's book will dispel many myths and distortions regarding Miller's use of philosophical models as well as the meaning of his own ideas. -- James Decker, Associate Professor of English, 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 Manniste's 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 Miller's work, as it is the first book to propose an underlying intellectual system behind Miller's total output. -- Geoff Boucher, Senior Lecturer, School of Communications and Creative Arts, Deakin University, Australia Written with diligence and precision, Manniste'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, Manniste'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

Contents: Introduction 1. Prelude to a Future Philosophy: Modernist melancholy, Dadaist dances & Surrealist songs 2. Apocalypse Now: The End of History and the Twofold Present 3. The Anxiety of Enframing: Miller, Modern technology & Work 4. Behold, I Teach You the Inhuman!: Inhuman Artist, Ubermensch & China 5. From Theoria To Praxis: The Poetry of Life Conclusion



Author Biography: Indrek Manniste 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.