book data
182 ratings, 3.52 average rating, 27 reviews
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published
January 18th 1994
by Grove Press
binding
Paperback, 272 pages
isbn
0802131832
(isbn13: 9780802131836)
description
In 1941, Henry Miller, the author of Tropic of Cancer, was commissioned by a Los Angeles bookseller to write an erotic novel for a dollar a page. Unde...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 244)
Read in June, 2007
I knew Henry Miller was one of the greats of twentieth century American fiction so I thought I would give this one a go. I didn't realise it was completely smut! To be fair, it's extremely well written smut. But, my God, the sex scences (which is pretty much every scence - honestly!) make the ones in American Psycho look tame. Not really one for the train in the morning but a humorous and enjoyable read nonetheless.
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Read in October, 2004
recommends it for:
Anyone with an open mind
This is absolutely one of the most depraved and satirical book I have ever read. It almost approaches the level of debauchery achieved by the Marquis de Sade. The opening scene has to be one of the wildest things I have ever read, it is insane even for Miller. It's graphic nature notwithstanding, it has some extremely humorous moments and descriptions of events.
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Read in July, 2008
From what I read, this isn't his best. Sadly, I haven't had the chance to read anything else by the man yet. I didn't know about this "novel's" back story when I picked it up, but now I know he wrote it for a dollar a page when he needed money (and I'm seeing a rumor that he wrote it for some rich old pervert). So I'm not going to let this crap bias me against reading his other books.
It's a terrible book. Just fiendishly awful. Yes, it's dirty and obscene (rape, pedophilia, et...more
It's a terrible book. Just fiendishly awful. Yes, it's dirty and obscene (rape, pedophilia, et...more
Read in August, 2002
It is stated that Henry Miller was paid a dollar per page for this book, provided that he included some aspect pertaining to sex on every page.
For those whom have read this book (or others by said author), you know that he went far above and beyond that which was requested. This book is not for the easily offended or the faint of heart; it paints a vivid picture of the most hedonistic acts that can still be considered extreme and mind numbing to this day. Henry Miller has always been abl...more
For those whom have read this book (or others by said author), you know that he went far above and beyond that which was requested. This book is not for the easily offended or the faint of heart; it paints a vivid picture of the most hedonistic acts that can still be considered extreme and mind numbing to this day. Henry Miller has always been abl...more
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Read in November, 2008
recommended to Tara by:
another pervertrecommends it for: perverts
I gave this book two stars not because I didn't enjoy it or because it offended me (which it didn't, but really should have, but because for a work of Henry Miller, I feel its level of literary merit was dubious. It had all the hallmarks of Miller: a rather dry wit, scathing observations, an utter and complete disregard for most women... but whereas Miller's other works are literature peppered with pornography, this books is, well, just straight porn. Page after page of it. Whoever paid M...more
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This is a book that was recently published (posthumously) and is more pornography than the wonderful sexually inundated prose that makes up most of Miller's work. Supposedly, it was authenticated by family and friends. The story is that he wrote it at the request of some rich Hollywood producer(for said gentleman's private titillation) and that he only made two copies.
Perhaps his estate needed money. In any case, Under the Roofs of Paris is unworthy of the author who is now considered one...more
Perhaps his estate needed money. In any case, Under the Roofs of Paris is unworthy of the author who is now considered one...more
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wow. This author was a poor writer in the late 30s into the 40s (if memory serves me), and was commissioned to write the dirtiest novel he could think of for $1 per page. This is what he came up with and it must've been insane at the time because it still holds up today- those crazy French! It's not for the faint of heart or for the Sunday school teacher. I came across this book as a recommendation from a teacher in one of my writing workshops...needless to say, all of us students were flabberga...more
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recommends it for:
licentious folk
i cannot believe this book was first published in 1941. seriously this is henry miller at his most extreme. i could not read this book in public because my face was permanently blushed. it is very entertaining, that is for sure. don't use this book to introduce yourself to henry miller...i recommend his more autobiographical work first. i loved the bawdy miller i met in his "tropics" and continue to love him today. good stuff.
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Not for everyone. VERY graphic accounts of every imaginable sexual congress ever conceived by man or beast.
Still, Miller's signature style is present and his reveries are worth the shock of the erotic scenes.
This book must be read in short cycles. You HAVE to put it down every so often...for various reasons.
Still, Miller's signature style is present and his reveries are worth the shock of the erotic scenes.
This book must be read in short cycles. You HAVE to put it down every so often...for various reasons.
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Read in January, 1993
recommends it for:
Nobody
I really liked Henry Miller, for some reason, until I read this book at 19. Then I understood the true meaning of "gratuitous rape scene."
I know that he was paid by the page, which was the reason to draw every sexual deviance out - but it made reading it less than enlightening.
I know that he was paid by the page, which was the reason to draw every sexual deviance out - but it made reading it less than enlightening.
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I relished nearly every sentence of this bawdy handbook for the sexually unapologetic. If you finish it without wincing, you get a *handjob* for your reward. If you find it compulsively readable, the way I did, we ought to become friends.
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great book. its interesting to see (not like we all dont already know) how diffrent men and women see sex. just when you think hes a typical pig, he says something insanely thoughtful. even when using the word "cock" all the time.
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It's pretty much a written porno.
Which is impressive since he wrote it in 1914.
But outside of the extreme sexual imnagery is still the Miller humor and brillance that makes him one of the most impressive authors ever.
Which is impressive since he wrote it in 1914.
But outside of the extreme sexual imnagery is still the Miller humor and brillance that makes him one of the most impressive authors ever.
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The pervasive sexism in this book caused me to stop reading it midway. I suppose I should have expected such an attitude from a male living in this time, but nevertheless, I was deeply disappointed.
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3 comments
recommends it for:
open minds and strong stomachs
If you like Ellis and were able to stomach Glamorama and/or you like porn then more than likely you will be able to digest this dirty little book.
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Read in July, 2007
recommends it for:
someone with a strong gut and sick mind
Disgusting......embarrassing and strangely interesting. Not for the weak of heart or prudes. DOn't get caught reading it at work or on the subway!
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Essential to understanding Miller: There is a story in here about having sex with his friend's slutty prepubescent daughter. Just saying.
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Read in January, 2006
Read this only if you can stomach his stories. Lecherous, incestuous, bestial are three words I'd describe this work. But he needed the money.
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recommends it for:
guys and no decent woman
sexually twisted- its better than any porn mag-- recommended for guys and women that aren't easily appalled
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only read this book if you are a really big pervert ,watch out its got too much of everything
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