, Henry Miller’s autobiographical account of his years of penury in Paris, is one of those books which create fierce divisions of opinion. It has been criticised for its lack of art, its failure to construct a coherent narrative, its repugnant characters, and its treatment of women. Yet it has also been acclaimed as a vital, unique piece of work which exists in a genre all of its own making.

First published in Paris in 1934 by Jack Kahane’s Obelisk Press – which also published Joyce – Tropic of Cancer was banned for almost thirty years in the UK and the USA. This legal decision undoubtedly helped create a considerable underground following for the novel: few can resist the delicious allure of the illicit.

First published in Paris in 1934 by Jack Kahane’s Obelisk…

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Citation: Holcombe, Garan. "Tropic of Cancer". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 06 March 2007 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=8474, accessed 24 November 2024.]