Henry Miller, the inhuman artist : a philosophical inquiry

Review “What are rather complex philosophical differences are explained with great finesse by Manniste, and this in many ways is one of the main strengths of this book. Manniste shows an incredibly thorough grasp of the intricacies of Miller's philosophical thought processes throughout his life. [...] This is a well-written, well-researched book that aims to place Miller as a philosophical writer, deserving of more respect than he currently receives from academia. It makes good use of the work that has been done by other Miller specialists and is absolutely representative of the high standard of analysis that Miller deserves.” ―Jennifer Crowe, University of Glasgow, Journal of American Studies Product 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. About the Author Indrek Männiste is Researcher and Lecturer of Philosophy of Literature at the University of Tartu, Estonia, and authorof Henry Miller: The Inhuman Artist: A Philosophical Inquiry (Bloomsbury, 2013).