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Tropic of Cancer is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the life of an unnamed narrator, Henry Miller himself, as he navigates poverty and existential angst in 1930s Paris. The novel is known for its candid and explicit depiction of sexuality, as well as its critique of societal norms and conventions. Miller’s writing is raw and provocative, delving into themes of sexual liberation, artistic struggle, and the quest for personal freedom. The book’s experimental narrative style and unflinching portrayal of human desire challenged literary conventions and societal standards of its time.

Tropic of Cancer faced censorship and banning due to its explicit sexual content and perceived obscenity. When it was first published, the novel was considered scandalous and controversial for its frank depictions of sex and its critiques of established moral and social norms. The book was banned in several countries and faced numerous legal challenges, including obscenity trials in the United States, which contributed to its reputation as a provocative and contentious work. Despite the controversy, the novel has since been recognized for its influential role in modern literature and its impact on the portrayal of sexuality and personal freedom in literature.


Title: Tropic of Cancer
Author: Henry Miller

Publisher: Obelisk Press (first English edition, 1934)
Genre: Autobiographical Fiction, Erotica
First Published: 1934 (Paris), 1961 (U.S. English edition)
Pages: 318 pages (varies by edition)
Binding: Hardcover, Paperback
Edition: First English Edition
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