Finding Aid of the George Howard Papers

Processed by Manuscripts Division staff
© 2004
The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

Finding Aid of the George Howard Papers

UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections

Manuscripts Division



Los Angeles, CA
Processed by:
Manuscripts Division staff
Encoded by:
ByteManagers using OAC finding aid conversion service specifications
Encoding supervision and revision by:
Caroline Cubé
Edited by:
Josh Fiala, August 2004
© 2004 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

Descriptive Summary

Title: George Howard Papers,
Date (inclusive): 1941-1980
Collection number: 1321
Creator: Howard, George
Extent: 2 boxes (1 linear ft.)
Repository: University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Department of Special Collections.
Los Angeles, California 90095-1575
Physical location: Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
Language: English.

Administrative Information

Restrictions on Access

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Advance notice required for access.

Restrictions on Use and Reproduction

Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], George Howard Papers (Collection 1321). Department of Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.

UCLA Catalog Record ID

UCLA Catalog Record ID: 4233176 

Scope and Content

Collection contains letters to George and Eleanor Howard from Henry Miller and Anaïs Nin, as well as manuscripts by Miller and Nin, and ephemera. Also contains letters from Henry Miller to Laura. Manuscripts include Miller's Letters to Emil, Mara-Marignan marinated, Opus Pistorum par Couillon, and Nin's Auletris, and various erotica by her, mostly published in Delta of Venus or Little birds.

Organization and Arrangement

Arranged in the following series:
  • Letters from Henry Miller and Anaïs Nin to George and Eleanor Howard.
  • Letters from Henry Miller to Laura.
  • Manuscripts by Henry Miller and Anaïs Nin.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the repository's online public access catalog.

Subjects

Howard, George--Archives.
Miller, Henry, 1891- .
Nin, Anaïs,--1903-1977.
Authors, American--20th century.

Genres and Forms of Material

Manuscripts for publication.

Related Material

Title: Henry Miller Papers (Collection 110).
  Available at the Department of Special Collections, UCLA.
Title: Anaïs Nin Papers (Collection 2066).
  Available at Department of Special Collections, UCLA.

 

Calendar of Correspondence of Henry Miller

 

Part 1: Correspondence

Scope and Content Note

Concerning and including letters by Anaïs Nin addressed to Mr. & Mrs. George Howard.
Box 1, Folder 1

Typewritten letter signed (“C.R.”), [November 6, 1941]. Twice a Year Press, 509 Madison Avenue, New York City.

Creator/Collector: [Ritter, Christl]
Physical Description: (1p. 12 mo. With envelope addressed in Miller's hand)

Scope and Content Note

Memo by the secretary of the editor of Twice a Year informing Howard of a circular announcing the inclusion of excerpts from Anaïs Nin's Diary in the next issue (Fall/winter 1941, no.7).
Box 1, Folder 2

Autograph letter signed, [March 26, 1941]. 215 West 13, New York City.

Creator/Collector: Nin, Anaïs
Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Asking if Howard wishes to see more pages of the manuscripts of which Miller had previously given him a sample. Also entreating him to suggest a way of disposing of the manuscript in order to finance Miller's trip.
Box 1, Folder 2

Autograph letter signed, [April 2, 1941]. [215 West 13, New York City].

Creator/Collector: Nin, Anaïs
Physical Description: (1.5pp. 8vo. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Requesting the pages of the manuscripts back because she has found someone who is interested in them in New York.
Box 1, Folder 3

Typewritten letter signed (“Henry”), Saturday P.M. [October 11, 1941]. New York City.

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope depicting logo of Hotel Samuuels)

Scope and Content Note

Sending typescript of pornographic material done by Nin and informing Howard of abridged version of the Diary, which covers 1930-1935 in Paris. Asks him to intercede with Ben [Abramson] about publishing both the pornography and diary. Gives news about life in New York.
Box 1, Folder 3

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Tuesday [October 21, 1941]. New York City.

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Informing him that the final folios of the materials have been railed and promising a copy of the abridged Diary. Gives instructions on how to deal with Abramson: “The only thing is secrecy. If any or all three [manuscripts] be brought out they must appear either anonymously or pseudonomously. Anaïs doesn't mind if people think the Diary is hers, once it's printed. Just so long as there is no proof of it.” Miller complains about not writing. Mentions the publication of the “Greek book”; meeting Edgar Varese, Breton and St. Jean Perse; Luise Rainer and her troubles; his “itchy and buggy” accommodations; and selling his car.
Box 1, Folder 3

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”). n.p., n.d. [1941].

Scope and Content Note

On a postcard depicting Anaïs Nin, Miller notes her resemblance to Luise Rainer and acknowledges sending the last two installments of the Diary.
Box 1, Folder 3

Typewritten letter signed (“Henry”) with autograph note, Tuesday, [October 28, 1941]. New York.

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Discusses the Diary and Nin's Erotica. Explains that approximately 400pp., which contained the more frank sexual parts and some descriptive introspective parts, were excised from the abridged Diary and reveals the true identities of some of the characters. Suggests the Erotica manuscript pages be sold to private individuals rather than in book form. Mentions Fraenkel, Mangan, Varese, Steiglitz, and (“who seems to be dying”), and various projects.
Box 1, Folder 3

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Sunday [December 14, 1941]. [New York].

Physical Description: (1.5pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Informs Howard that Anaïs wants all her material back because she hasn't any confidence in Ben Abramson. Says he will send Mrs. Howard a watercolor and makes several comments on the draft and the war: “All I hope is that Russia sets the world afire. If not, we'll have to look to China...The situation is now wonderful. Couldn't be better. It will be a far different world when the next peace is declared.”
Box 1, Folder 3

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Tuesday [December 16, 1941]. [New York].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Urgent message to send Anaïs' manuscripts back soon.
Box 1, Folder 4

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”) to Ben Abramson, n.d. [1941]. Chicago.

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Written on the stationery of The Royalton (44 West Forty-Fourth Street, New York), Miller requests the bookseller to let Mr. and Mrs. Howard read the Diary.
 

Part 2: Correspondence with George and Eleanor Howard

Box 1, Folder 5

Autograph letter signed, Wednesday, [March 12, 1941]. Kenosha [Wisconsin].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Writing on the letterhead of the Eola Hotel (Natchez, Miss.), Miller accepts an invitation and gives his arrival time in Chicago.
Box 1, Folder 5

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Tuesday [March 18, 1941]. Des Moines, Iowa.

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Describing his travels and his plans to go to Amana country and St. Louis.
Box 1, Folder 5

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), March 22nd, 1941. The Hotel Snyderhof, 917 to 919 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

Physical Description: (2pp., 8vo. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Thanking Mrs. Howard for suggesting the New Yorker and regaling her with tales of the characters he's met, Including an incarnation of one of Christ's disciples.
Box 1, Folder 5

Autograph postcard signed, March 27,1941. William Len Hotel, Memphis, Tennessee.

Scope and Content Note

Giving his travel plans.
Box 1, Folder 5

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), Monday, March 31,1941. Natchez.

Scope and Content Note

Asking if they received Gion's books and noting Joe Schrank as a Tropic of Cancer character.
Box 1, Folder 5

Autograph postcard signed, April 20, 1941. Albuquerque.

Scope and Content Note

Expressing his liking for New Mexico.
Box 1, Folder 5

Typewritten letter signed (“Henry”), April 24, 1941. Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Thanking them for proofing his book. Comments about the peculiarities of Ben Abramson and getting the permission of Laughlin. Reveals he used Howard as a nameless professor from Evanston in his reviews. Complains he is broke and needs Ben to send money.
Box 1, Folder 5

Autograph postcard signed, May 5, 1941. Grand Canyon.

Scope and Content Note

Complains about lack of communication from Ben.
Box 1, Folder 5

Autograph letter signed (“HVM”), May 8th, 1941. Grand Canyon.

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Upbraiding Laughlin as his “worst enemy...a heartless young miser and sadistic toward those in his power“ and accusing him of putting the publishers of the Tropic of Cancer in prison. Miller also wonders whether Ben Abramson has really obtained Laughlin's permission. The photograph is identfied as “Windsor Castle, Port Gibson, Miss. HVM amidst the ruins of Carthage.”
Also, photograph (3 × 3”) signed and autograph note on back, March 31, 1941.
Box 1, Folder 5

Autograph letter, Friday [May 23, 1941]. Hollywood.

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope which has a holograph note on the back)

Scope and Content Note

Speaks of meeting Laughlin and patching things up. Learns that Ben has Laughlin's blessing and friendship. Announces he has a publisher for “the Greek book“ [ The Colossus of Maroussi] in San Francisco (William Roth and the Colt Press).
Box 1, Folder 6

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Tuesday p.m. [September 16, 1941]. Salt Lake City.

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Writing on the letterhead of Mayer Hotel...Elko, Nevada, Miller informs them he is driving back through Wyoming and Nebraska.
Box 1, Folder 6

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), September 29, 1941. Zion.

Scope and Content Note

Picture postcard of Zion Printing and Publishing.
Suggests Howard investigate this industry “as a possible source of speculation and enjoyment. Everything done here by God's will.”
Box 1, Folder 6

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), Tuesday [October 7, 1941]. [Jamestown, New York].

Scope and Content Note

Announces his arrival and recommends highways N6 and 62.
Box 1, Folder 6

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), [October 7, 1941]. [Bowling Green, Ohio].

Scope and Content Note

Records brief impression of Ohio.
Box 1, Folder 6

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Thursday, p.m. [October 9, 1941]. Hotel Samuels, Jamestown, New York.

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Discussing his route back to New York. Tells them Anaïs will send some pages.
Box 1, Folder 6

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Thursday or Friday [October 23/24, 1941]. [New York].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Recommendations for what to see in California: Mr. Gordon of Satyr Book Shop, the Colt Press, Bill Roth, Jane Grabhorn, a “swell“ Chinese house owned by Bernadine (Szold) Fritz, and Hilaire Hiles.
Box 1, Folder 6

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Tuesday [November 18, 1941]. New York City.

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Mentions getting copies of “Greek book“, waiting to hear from Ben, and happiness to hear that they visited Arensberg. Speaks at length of a lecture by Cairns (the censor) who predicted Miller would be the next author involved in a historic case.
Box 1, Folder 6

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Tuesday, [November 25, 1941]. New York.

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Asking for Ben's decision on the Diary. Speaks of the reception of “the Greek book“ by John Frederick and Georgia Luiga and mentions invitation from Cecil B. de Mille.
Box 1, Folder 6

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Monday [December 8, 1941]. [New York].

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

A thank you for the work the Howards have done and a request for early Christmas presents. Reports on the sales of the “Greek book.” Encourages Eleanor Howard to start writing again.
Box 1, Folder 6

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), Friday, [December 12, 1941]. [New York].

Scope and Content Note

Briefly discusses Frederick's radio broadcast, slips in the Diary and the sell-out of the “Greek book.”
Box 1, Folder 7

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Wednesday, n.d. n.p.

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Talks about writing: “You know how to write. Every intelligent person does. Have you anything to say? That's the only question and to that, I'd say again-- everybody has. We are inhibited in a thousand ways. We all want to say the same thing--that we have suffered, been misunderstood, but that life is good, grand--that's why we write it down in devious ways.”
Box 1, Folder 7

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), Thursday, [December 18,1941]. [New York].

Scope and Content Note

Expressing thanks for a gift.
Box 1, Folder 7

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), Monday, [January 19, 1942]. [New York].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

Apologizing for a mistake about missing a manuscript.
Box 1, Folder 7

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Saturday [January 10, 1942]. [New York].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Asks if Howards have one folder of the Erotica which seems to be missing. Expresses sympathy for George's upcoming trial and reminds Eleanor of her promise to send some of her writing.
Box 1, Folder 7

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), [April 30, 1942]. [New York].

Scope and Content Note

Apologizing for not writing and requesting Eleanor's manuscript. Mentions a trip to Mexico and Houghton's “All Change, Humanity!“
Box 1, Folder 7

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Monday, [June 1, 1942]. [New York].

Physical Description: (1p. 8vo. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Talking about going west and getting a job in Hollywood; his new place; and George.
Box 1, Folder 7

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Wednesday, [June 17, 1942]. [New York].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Informing of his travel plans.
Box 1, Folder 7

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), n.d. [1942]. [1212.N. Beverly Glen, West Los Angeles, California].

Physical Description: (2pp. 8vo. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Denying he was to visit Chicago and Emil White. Lists his job prospects. Applauds Eleanor Howard's decision to go back on the radio.
Box 1, Folder 7

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Friday, [July 10, 1942]. [Los Angeles].

Physical Description: (2pp. 8vo. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Enjoying his stay in Los Angeles, Miller sends greetings.
Box 1, Folder 7

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), [August 11, 1942]. [Los Angeles].

Scope and Content Note

Asks them to forward the “Emil“ letters so he can sell them. Thanks Carla (the Howards' daughter) for the photographs and finds life beautiful in “Lotus Land“ .
Box 1, Folder 8

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Wednesday, [September 9, 1942]. [Los Angeles].

Physical Description: (2pp. 8vo. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Chatty letter, thanking them for the package, congratulating Eleanor Howard on selling her program, listing friends (Marlene Dietrich's secretary, Budd Schulberg's wife, Vincent Korda), and asking them to get in touch with Ben about selling a friend's book autographed by Miller.
Box 1, Folder 8

Autograph postcard signed, Wednesday, [September 30, 1942]. [Los Angeles].

Scope and Content Note

Reports he is doing synopsis of Wasserman's “The Maurizius Case.”
Box 1, Folder 8

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Wednesday, [October 7, 1942]. [Los Angeles].

Physical Description: (2pp. 8vo. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Another chatty letter, reiterates the information sent in letter of September 9, 1942.
Box 1, Folder 8

Autograph postcard signed, October 8, 1942. [Los Angeles].

Scope and Content Note

Asking for a loan of his painting.
Box 1, Folder 8

Autograph letter signed, [January 7, 1944]. [1212 No. Beverly Glen Blvd., Los Angeles 24, California, (postmarked Ogden, Utah)].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. fascimile)

Scope and Content Note

Prospectus for “Angel Is My Watermark.”
Box 1, Folder 8

A mailing label, [1942]. 4221 Harwood Drive, Des Moines, Iowa.

Physical Description: (8vo.)

Scope and Content Note

Torn mailing label from a package containing a book.
Box 1, Folder 8

Typewritten letter signed (“Henry”), April 14th, [1943]. [1212 N. Beverly Glen Blvd, West Los Angeles, California].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Tells them about his new living conditions, friends he has made and getting good news from England due to Colossus. Also requests George to make prints of a Man Ray photograph of Maragaret and Miller.
Box 1, Folder 8

Mimeographed letter, [June 9, 1943]. [1212 North Beverly Glen Boulevard (24), West Los Angeles, California].

Physical Description: (6pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

“Open letter to all and sundry” which offers his watercolors for sale in order to raise funds; he also explains his philosophy of art.
Box 1, Folder 8

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), July 5th, [1943]. [1212 N. Beverly Glen Blvd. (24), West Los Angeles, California].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Depressed letter saying that he wants to get married, to a Greek girl who has no money. Mentions that the circular letter offering his paintings brought in only $130.00.
Box 1, Folder 8

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Sunday, n.d. n.p.

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

Advises Eleanor on her writing, telling her to “keep at it. Frankly, I wouldn't be much concerned about the execution of the story and plot. Write every day about anything of vital interest. Write it in heat, and don't bother about form & style...”
Box 1, Folder 9

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Tuesday, [February 2, 1943]. [Los Angeles].

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to. with envelope which has been repaired with tape)

Scope and Content Note

Gives news of his writings, that the Colossus sold out in England and his peaceful life now that he has a loan from the Writers' Fund. Comments on the war and the draft. Predicts we will be fighting China in 25 years.
Box 1, Folder 9

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Friday, May 13, 1943. [Los Angeles].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

Sending a watercolor of an eye and noting he is getting more responses from his circular letter.
Box 1, Folder 9

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), September 25th, [1943]. [Los Angeles].

Physical Description: (1p. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

Despairing over losing the Greek girl, Miller says he has nothing to do but paint.
Box 1, Folder 9

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”) c/o Lynda Sargent, [March 23, 1944]. Big Sur, California.

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

On letterhead advertising three of Miller's books for Gotham, Argus and Satyr bookstores. Complains about money problems and requests a copy of Aller Retour NY be sent to Ben Abramson. Mentions a proposed show of his work.
Box 1, Folder 9

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), June 4, 1944. Big Sur.

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with copy of typed letter sent to Huntington [Cairns] and envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Reports on his work and on the show held by Caresse. In his letter to Cairn, he pleads for financial support and expounds upon the state of his finances. States he is giving half his money to Anaïs Nin.
Box 1, Folder 9

Flyer, [1944]. Big Sur.

Physical Description: (1p. 12mo. with envelope addressed in Miller's hand)

Scope and Content Note

Announcing the availability of his watercolors for public sale.
Box 1, Folder 9

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), September 1, 1944. Big Sur.

Physical Description: (1p. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Raves that he has to get out of the country. He is more in debt than ever and is painting to keep afloat.
Box 1, Folder 9

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), April 23, 1944. New York.

Scope and Content Note

Giving his travel schedule.
Box 1, Folder 9

Autograph postcard signed, Wednesday, [November 29, 1944]. [Fredricksburg, Virginia].

Scope and Content Note

Notifying the Howards of his arrival and his current address c/o Emil Schnellock.
Box 1, Folder 10

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry & Lepska”), December 21, 1944. Boulder, Colorado.

Scope and Content Note

Announcing his marriage.
Box 1, Folder 10

Autograph postcard signed (“Lepska & Henry”), December 28, 1944. Boulder, Colorado.

Scope and Content Note

Second announcement of his marriage and gives the date he will be back in Big Sur.
Box 1, Folder 10

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), Sunday [March 5, 1944]. [Monterey].

Scope and Content Note

Concerning Caresse Crosby and her plans to show his watercolors.
Box 1, Folder 10

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), [1944]. [Monterey].

Scope and Content Note

Asking for Howards to arrange for typewritten copies of a book.
Box 1, Folder 10

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), [April 17, 1944]. [Big Sur].

Scope and Content Note

A thank you for settling the Aller Retour affair.
Box 1, Folder 10

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), February 7, 1945. Big Sur.

Scope and Content Note

Asking for the name of the Negro preacher on radio in Chicago. Wants to write about him in The Air-Conditioned Nightmare.
Box 1, Folder 10

Autograph postcard signed (“Henry”), [August 20, 1952]. [Big Sur].

Scope and Content Note

Announces “The Books in My Life” and tells the Howards to order it through him as he is “flat broke.”
Box 1, Folder 10

Big Sur Books catalog, Spring 1945. Big Sur, California.

Physical Description: (Mimeographed with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Catalogue of books including those of Henry Miller.
Box 1, Folder 10

Telegram, September 22, 1947. Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Scope and Content Note

Announcing his arrival with Dudley.
Box 1, Folder 11

Article from This Week in Chicago.

Physical Description: (6pp.)

Scope and Content Note

Representing two articles, probably in different issues. One on Miller's troubles with a Parisian bar owner who was suing Miller for depicting him as a woman beater. The other is a follow-up on Mrs. Kathryn Mecham and her “M the studio for Henry Miller.”
Box 1, Folder 12

Photograph: Profile.

Physical Description: (2.25 × 1.5”)
Box 1, Folder 12

Photograph: Full face, bust length.

Physical Description: (3 × 4.5”)
Box 1, Folder 12

Photograph: Half length with Eleanor Howard, 1941. Chicago.

Physical Description: (3 × 4.5”)
Box 1, Folder 12

Photograph: Half length with Eleanor Howard, 1941. Chicago.

Physical Description: (3 × 4.5”)
Box 1, Folder 13

Autograph letter signed (“Henry”), Saturday, [October 31, 1942]. [Los Angeles, California].

Physical Description: (2pp. 4to. with envelope)

Scope and Content Note

Chatty letter, concerning his work on adaptations for the movies, his plans to return East, his pals, Ben Abramson and Eleanor Howard getting a radio job. He also expresses his opinions about his life at the time--“I'm alone for the time being. It drives me nuts. I feel like begging the Japs to come and put an end to us--quick! What drivel ! We're degenerate, no two ways about it.”
Box 1, Folder 14

Photograph of [Nieman, Margaret], June 5, 1941.

Physical Description: (Bust length, 2.27 × 2.5”)

Scope and Content Note

On back is written “For Henry June 5, 1941, Margaret.”
Box 1, Folder 15

Collection of newspaper articles, 1974-1980.

Box 1, Folder 15

“Singing Soul of Henry Miller” Los Angeles Times (Part 4), July 24, 1974.

Creator/Collector: a. Christen, Lawrence
Physical Description: (p.11)
Box 1, Folder 15

“Henry Miller: Celebrating a Cause Celebre,” Los Angeles Times, Book Review Section, March 28, 1976.

Creator/Collector: b. Mailer, Norman
Physical Description: (pp.1 & 3)
Box 1, Folder 15

“Writer dies,” Palisadian-Post, June 12, 1980.

Creator/Collector: c. Schoen, Juliet P.
Physical Description: (p.3)
 

Part 3: Correspondence with Laura -----. Written in New York, Around the Period of March-May 1942

Box 1, Folder 16

Autograph letter signed, Friday. n.p.

Physical Description: (1p. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

Sending some articles, Miller comments on the “Leo type” who “knows how to give prodigally but not always how to receive.” Asks her to think up beautiful sounding names.
Box 1, Folder 16

Typewritten letter signed. n.p., Vendredi matin.

Physical Description: (3pp. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

Postponing their dinner engagement. Miller discusses Balzac, the glories of the South, talking to Frenchmen, including Leger about Verdun. Reveals the changes France had wrought in him. “Until I went to France I ran around here in America like a madman, trying to talk to people about the things which I loved, which were life to me. I talking in the air, talking to the angels, if you like. Nobody listened. I was an 'exalte'. Yes, and perhaps a little cracked. And above all, they made me feel that I was a failure. The 'failure' arrived in France at an age when most men have already made a good start... I fell in love with France, with the French language, the French way of life. It was good... marvellous... I thank God every day that it was permitted me to live those years in France.
I got nothing from America--absolutely nothing. I come back against the grain, and it seems empty to me.”
He speaks of the 'tainted money' of his publisher's advance and finishes his tirade on America in French.
Box 1, Folder 16

Typewritten letter signed (“HVM”), Thursday morning. n.p.

Physical Description: (3pp., 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

A very descriptive letter in which Miller pours his desolation at her leaving and his worship of her. The last line of this letter is in Miller's hand, “And I shan't write again, I promise you.”
Box 1, Folder 16

Autograph letter signed (“Valentin”) n.p., Monday night.

Physical Description: (4pp. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

Writing in both French and English, Miller expresses his love and ponders his destiny.
Box 1, Folder 16

Typewritten letter (with holograph note), Friday morning, Saturday. n.p.

Physical Description: (3.5pp. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

With a note in Miller's hand indicating that this letter was written “2 days after your [Laura's] arrival in Hollywood,” Miller types an introspective love letter. He assesses his past in a series of philosophical vignettes--his birth, “I come to the house where I was born--85th St. and York Avenue... I tried to imagine myself , a tiny babe, coming out of the womb, crying as all babies do. Then suddenly, as I thought of the multifarious experiences of my short life, I felt that I could encompass in my mind, with the greatest ease, five thousand years, or fifty thousand. Years mean nothing. Everything of importance happens in a few moments.”; his tortuous path in which he “touched the bottom, not once but several times...[and] emerged, if not purified, at least strengthened.”; his trip out West; his Greek travels; and his present writings, “I went to the ghetto (in my mind) and I described it as I had never done before. I surpassed myself. I felt the earth turning around and I had one of those visitations which come to the ppor and lonely when they stand on the stoop at night in the ghetto and dream of things to come.”
Box 1, Folder 16

Typewritten and autograph letter, Wednesday, Wednesday night. n.p.

Physical Description: (2.5pp. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

Approximately half page of typed material and the balance in Miller's hand. He frantically wonders why she did not respond to his letter and informs her it is possible for him to come to Hollywood. He also states his belief in “telaethesia.”
Box 1, Folder 16

Typewritten letter (with holograph note), Friday Afternoon, Saturday Midnight. n.p.

Physical Description: (1.5pp. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

Pathetic letter concerning his waiting for some communication from her. Briefly mentions his involvement with an astrologer and writing a preface for a friend's book on Hollywood. The half page note in Miller's hand despairs, “If you disappoint me I feel that my life will be shattered. Nothing would ever reconcile me to your loss.”
Box 1, Folder 16

Autograph letter signed (“Valentin”), Saturday night. n.p.

Physical Description: (8pp. 8vo.)

Scope and Content Note

Announcing he is coming to Hollywood to take her away with him.
Box 1, Folder 16

Autograph letter, Saturday midnight. n.p.

Physical Description: (2.5pp. 4to.)

Scope and Content Note

Discussing his ruse to get his letters delivered to her and telling her the time to talk is past, he wants to act by taking her off to Mexico.
 

Manuscripts by Henry Miller

Box 1, Folder 17

Quiet days at Clichy. [New York, June 1940].

Physical Description: (69 leaves. Typescript (signed). In black binder)

Scope and Content Note

According to Jay Martin's biography of Miller, this story, together with “Mara-Marignan marinated,” was written for a pornography collector. Miller later incorporated the two stories into his novel Quiet days in Clichy, Paris, Olympia Press, 1956.
Miller has signed the manuscript on the title page and on p.69, and made corrections throughout the story.
Box 1, Folder 18

Mara-Marignan marinated. [New York, May 1940].

Physical Description: (41 leaves. Typescript (signed). In black binder)

Scope and Content Note

This appears as “Mara-Marignan” beginning p.109 in Quiet days in Clichy. Miller has made a few corrections throughout the manuscript and signed it on the title page and on p.41.
Box 1

Stories Published in Opus Pistorum par Couillon. Carmel: [Press of the Sunken Eye], 1950

Scope and Content Note

According to Jay Martin, Miller's biographer, some of the stories were written by another but under Miller's name for a pornography collector.
Box 1, Folder 19

[Erotica. New York, ca. 1940].

Physical Description: ([238 leaves] Typescript(signed), typescript(carbon). In black binder)

Scope and Content Note

Contents:
  • “Sous les toits de Paris,” pp.l-78, typescript(signed).
  • “La Hue de Screw,” pp.79-169, typescript.
  • “France in my pants,” pp.170-200, typescript.
  • “Cherchez le toit,” pp.201-234, typescript.
  • “[Untitled story],” pp.234-238, typescript.
Box 1, Folder 20

[Erotica. New York, ca. 1940].

Physical Description: ([232 leaves] Typescript(signed), typescript(carbon). In black binder)

Scope and Content Note

Contents:
  • “Sous les toits de Paris,” pp.1-29, typescript(signed), typescript(carbon).
  • “The French way,” pp.30-99, typescript(carbon).
  • “La Rue de Screw,” pp.100-189, typescript(carbon).
  • “A Black Mass and a midget,” p. 190-256, typescript(carbon).
  • “France in my pants,” pp.257-290, typescript(carbon).
  • “Cherchez: la toit,” pp.291-323, typescript(carbon).