OT: Tropic of Capricorn

[JasonL]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Okay, but during those years he would have been 18 to 20 years old, certainly not part of one's childhood memories. And he likely would have also mentioned the little cards with the baseball players. I'm assuming he's thinking about a time when he was maybe ten years old, give or take. But I can't think of any cards available circa 1901. That was why I felt his memory may have not been that accurate.

Don't believe everything you read!

[barrysloate]

I know it's a book, but I also know Miller. Certain memories burn strong with him. He clearly had some knowledge of those cards, but he would have been an adult when they circulated. Can't figure out why he cited them as part of his childhood, that's all.

[drc]

I read a few Henry Millers when I was younger. Though he had too sunny a disposition for my literary taste. I preferred the the semi-autobiographical novel of Louis-Ferdinand Celine (Journey to the End of the Night), who was Henry Miller's contemporary and essentially his evil twin-- in both literature and life (be warned). Similar wild anarchic adventures (though concerned with travel rather than sex), a beautiful and unique writing style, but much more dark and pessimistic.

[barrysloate]

Miller is my favorite because he never had ambition to do anything- except write. And he grew up in Brooklyn. My grandmother went to the same high school as him (a few years later) but I'm certain their paths never crossed. I simply adore his work, and his sensibility. He was a cult figure who struggled for success until he was passed forty, then became an icon.

[drdduet]

There are several nonsports Sweet Cap issues in the late 19th century and through the early 1900's--many actresses, ships, etc...and if I'm not mistaken most of the issues prior to 1909 were distributed outside the US.

[drc]

Arguably the darkest, most disturbing recognized classic American novel of all time is 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' by Hubert Selby Jr, which, as the title would suggest, is also about Brooklyn. I can't say I enjoyed the novel, but it made a lasting impression, as I suppose witnessing someone being run over by a train would.

Growing up, I'd never been to New York City, but received starkly contrasting input about the city, Selby and Woodie Allen being extreme ends.