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Henry Miller
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The Air-Conditioned Nightmare Publisher: New Directions Paperback – January 1, 1971

by Henry Miller (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 112 ratings
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In 1939, after ten years as an expatriate, Henry Miller returned to the United States with a keen desire to see what his native land was really like—to get to the roots of the American nature and experience. He set out on a journey that was to last three years, visiting many sections of the country and making friends of all descriptions. The Air-Conditioned Nightmare is the result of that odyssey.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004TDIBI2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 112 ratings

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Henry Miller

Henry Miller

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HENRY MILLER (1891-1980) was an American writer and painter infamous for breaking with existing literary forms and developing a new sort of "novel" that is a mixture of novel, autobiography, social criticism, philosophical reflection, surrealist free association, and mysticism, one that is distinctly always about and expressive of the real-life Henry Miller and yet is also fictional. His most characteristic works of this kind are "Tropic of Cancer," "Tropic of Capricorn," and "Black Spring." His books were banned in the United States for their lewd content until 1964 when a court ruling overturned this order, acknowledging Miller’s work as literature in what became one of the most celebrated victories of the sexual revolution.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
112 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Destpo out of repose
5.0 out of 5 stars A funky gem of a book, if you accept it on its own terms
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2009
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The Air-Conditioned Nightmare was my introduction to Henry Miller, and it inspired me to read much of his other work. I don't love everything he has written, but I always appreciate him, and this book is a great find. Miller isn't constrained with his writing here; not by a plot, storyline, or even always making sense. I felt like sometimes he was writing words to have an impact on the reader separate from their meaning.

The beginning of the book is great; Miller doesn't pull any punches about how he sees America after his long stay in France. If you are one of those conservative folk who have a hard time listening to people criticize the United States you probably wont like much of what he says, but he eloquently writes of his keen observations and the parallels to be drawn to problems we face today could fill a book of its own. Although Miller tends to go on long-winded tangents, the book stays light, and the writing is honest, sassy and generally fun to read.

If, like with a friend, you can accept this book on its own terms, I think you will find it very enjoyable.
25 people found this helpful
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MarkSchneider
4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant prophetic book
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023
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I brought this book as a gift for a friend, since I had to throw or give away a 30 years old copy when I moved 2 years ago. Henry Miller is on of the O.G. Bohemians, he dropped out at age 40, went to live on the streets of Paris, & made himself into a professional writer (of "smut") & later a painter!! In Henry's 1930s, his Bohemianism included whores, drinking, astrology & hobnobbing with other Literati, including his lover, Anais Nin. Since Henry preceded the Beats by at least a generation there are no psychedelics in his ouvre, but he did not lack for cosmic consciousness, in any case. The Air Conditioned Nightmare is his disappointed take on returning to the USA after a decade and a half in France & Greece, prophesying the doom of a soulless materialist sinkhole quite thoroughly and without false sentiment. I rate this book a "5", the 4 rating is because the copy I got from the vendor had a crunched and dimpled top, left front cover. It was sent in a timely manner though, & otherwise very happy with the book.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great one.......
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2014
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I can't read enough of Henry Miller and this book is right up at the top of his game.His writing style is adventurous,gritty,brutally honest and delivered with a dry sense of humor,wit and intelligence.He see's through a lense which many of us share and spits it out like the literary major leaguer we have come to love over and over! If you're already a fan you won't be disappointed.If this is your first dance it is a welcome entry into the world of Henry Miller.
5 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars Good book, poor condition.
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2019
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I like the book itself, but the condition it is in is poor. I bought it for five dollars and the cover is hardly attached. I’m disappointed because I could have bought this for a quarter at a used bookstore.
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Mary Campbell
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2021
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Book was in good shape. One of Miller’s best books, he had really found his stride.
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Trochilus
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless writer
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2017
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Miller never gets dated. I may go back and read the 'Tropics' again.
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B
4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting document of its time
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2021
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It makes for very interesting reading how wrong the author’s impressions and predictions would turn out to become very soon after this book was written. He unfavorably compares a barely post-depression United States to the culturally vibrant Europe that at that very moment was spectacularly self-destructing and exterminating the very Jews and other undesirables who were responsible for much the European intellectual and cultural vibrancy that he so praises. How soon the tables would turn and his observations become irrelevant, little more than a historical curiosity. What a warning for our times.
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Drew Hunkins
5.0 out of 5 stars Traveling critic
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2023
Miller travels the nation and no doubt rips much of it to shreds, but surprisingly he not infrequently has some heartfelt things to also convey about this land of consumerism, arrogance, waste, and also genuine culture in some quarters.

He focuses much of his attention on architecture and art. Bemoaning how bad much of the former is but often lauding a few of the diamonds in the rough of the latter that he stumbles across. He does on a couple of occasions cry out about the miserable life a young budding American artist must inevitably find for themself.

Of course, what shines through in the book though is Miller's excellent writing and his talent for addressing the sterility, boredom, and melancholy that some of life in the United States can bring. Interestingly the native New Yorker has many kind things to say about Dixie throughout the chapters that focus on his travels in the South. The book contains fun passages of good conversation, humor, wisdom and erudition that he sometimes experiences from relatively unlikely sources.

Miller’s Air-Conditioned Nightmare is a classic mid 20th century American book that should be read by those who love to get out and see the world.
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Jesús Arnau
5.0 out of 5 stars America vista con los ojos de Henry Miller
Reviewed in Spain on December 29, 2018
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El libro cuenta el viaje que Henry Miller realizó por Estados Unidos, después de haber vivido unos años en el extranjero, para comprobar si la idea que tenía de su país continuaba vigente. Es un contrapunto a las visiones más benévolas y entusiastas de la vida americana que solemos tener en mente.
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Sandazer
4.0 out of 5 stars good source of books
Reviewed in Canada on September 6, 2016
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Arrived in good condition. Am satisfied.
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