Henry Miller in Pacific Palisades Selections from a Journal

Harry Kiakis met Miller for the first time in May 1968, and for the next 33 months became part of Miller's "inner circle" of friends. This period was a busy one for Miller. His marriage to Hoki was in its first year, two films based on his books were being produced, along with a documentary film (The Henry Miller Odyssey). Miller continued to write; the text for My Life and Times, Insomnia or the Devil at Large, and short pieces for magazines, including Playboy. Harry spent time with Miller on 59 separate occasions and at the end of each meeting the events and conversations were dutifully logged in a journal documenting Miller's life during these years. The text reveals Miller's humorous and playful manner, but also his intimate side, his regrets, passions and the relationships he had among friends. When Miller made a 10-week trip to Paris in the summer of 1969 for the filming of Tropic of Cancer, it was Harry and his wife, Connie, he asked to live in his house for the interim. Dealing with a menagerie of Miller's fans and permanent houseguests added another facet to their relationship. The friendship between Miller and Kiakis came to an abrupt and absolute end, with a phone call made on Miller's behalf, and for the remaining nine years of Miller's life, there was no contact. Honoring Miller's request-"Harry write your book about me after I'm gone"-the complete story is now told, 36 years later. With 31 illustrations