The Library of Roger Wagner - PBA Galleries

105. miller, henry. Books to Write About - Or Subjects: original spiral-bound notebook with Henry Miller
holograph notes. Spiral-bound notebook filled almost completely with holograph notes by Miller about
books and subjects in his life to remember and write about for his book Books in My Life. Approx.
80 pages of text in purple & black ink.
No place: [c.1950]
Miller intended to write a book of “Books in My Life,” and this is his original compilation
of notes for that book. Notebook contains lists of books read and books to read, including
favorite quotes, as well as books never read and
never to be read again (“never read - regret!”);
a brief outline of the planned book; a lengthy
section entitled “Zen in Eng. Lit.” containing
many quotes and anecdotes to use, etc. He also
has pages of jottings of memories about books
and life to relate to the reader, like his experiences
at a bath-house: “The Hot Baths: All who ran
it, from fairy bookseller (Warren Wright - bad
checks!) to 2 old fairies, one with raw ass! The
audacious obnoxious fairy - every Thursday.
Confessions and revelations about `the clan’ &
their doings. `Keep hands off him!’ (Tony) just
`tolerating’ us normal ones...pricks with fancy
poodles, cattle men from ? with balls like a bull
(living Priapus) - rolls of fat. Mr. Aram strutting
like a peacock...Solitude. Idiots with rifles - target
practice on seals! The whales, sea otters, sea weed,
mist, smells, clouds, waves - double-faced rock of
King & Queen - color of rocks at low tide - old
bath tubs teetering on rocks below. Snakes on
roof in hot weather. Rocks tumbling....” Miller
Lot 105
also lists “Birds I know & recognize,” “Weeds,”
“Trees,” “Visits from....,” “Coincidences &
Things coming in at right moment!....,” “Thankful
to have met, if only once:....,” “Good lines to use: She was as attractive as an earwig!...” lastly, he
writes, “End book with Fred’s coming to write biography! Rescue of me in Paris and vice-versa
(Villa Seurat). Now ‘putting me on the map’! First full book on me....” A couple pages detached,
else very good - filled with interesting data on Miller’s life at Big Sur and influences of books
read. Very good.
(2500/3500)
Lot 106
ORIGINAL DRAWINGS, PASTELS & WATERCOLORS
106. miller, henry. Sketch book containing 17 original drawings,
pastels and watercolors by Miller. Including a self portrait, some
occasionally pornographic works, a few titles in his hand.
11x8¾, spiral bound flexible boards.
No place: No date
While none are signed by Miller, a few have titles or
words written in his hand, and many are typical of his
style. Stain to front cover (adding character!), lower half
of front cover coming detached, else very good; internal
drawings fine - a rare compilation. Very good.
(7000/10000)
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