Friday, February 12, 2010

A Literate Passion

"For you and for me, the highest moment, the keenest moment is not when our minds dominate but when we lose our mind- and you and I both lose it the same way, by love"
-Anais Nin in a letter to Henry Miller. Feb. 22, 1932

 
  
  
 
I don't really know where to start here. I've been reading Anais Nin since I was in high school (dare I say 15 years ago?!) I don't  remember how I came to hear of her since I have a notoriously bad memory. It may have been after seeing "Henry & June." What I do remember is scouring used book stores in attempt to collect everything I could by her. I have most, but not all of her 7 volumes of diaries, not to mention the "A Journal of Love" series from her diary, and finally "A Literate Passion: the Letters of Anais Nin & Henry Miller, 1932-1953," which have all become obsessively underlined. I don't think I can really express how influential she was to me- then and now, so much so that I know I can't properly describe it right here. But, perhaps she is the reason why I have a closet full of journals, which reminds me...I should really start writing more.

If you aren't familiar with Henry & Anais, the 1990 film, "Henry & June" is a great introduction. Set in Paris in the 1930's, depicting the intertwined lives of Anais Nin, Henry Miller, and his wife, June. The photos above are from the film, starring Maria de Medeiros, Fred Ward, and Uma Thurman. And the costumes are to die for. Here is the trailer...



- "A Literate Passion" by Every Little Counts, inspired by Henry & Anais.

more links:
-The Henry Miller Library

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15 comments:

  1. The Kitten and the BearFebruary 12, 2010 at 3:05 AM

    Thanks for this. I love Anais Nin and had forgotten.

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  2. AlicePleasanceFebruary 12, 2010 at 3:44 AM

    I used to read her during highschool too. That was the right and perfect moment. I was all about her and, most of all, Marguerite Duras and Sylvia Plath. I can say they "shaped" me... Fascinating!

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  3. MargaretFebruary 12, 2010 at 3:54 AM

    gorgeous post :) thanks for the sweet comment
    stop back soon! xx

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  4. UnknownFebruary 12, 2010 at 1:01 PM

    ur so cute u will be more cute if u use eyeliner
    xx
    comment back

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  5. icwhatsgoingonhereFebruary 12, 2010 at 6:23 PM

    That opening quote really caught my eye, so beautiful ... :) Gorgeous blog!

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  6. Mystery Flight VintageFebruary 13, 2010 at 1:38 AM

    I too started reading Anais Nin in highschool. I had no idea this film existed. Is it any good? the stills are lovely.

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  7. Beth RubyFebruary 13, 2010 at 11:59 AM

    Gorgeous photos.
    I need to read it now!
    And love that trailer <3
    xx

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  8. Viva La FashionFebruary 13, 2010 at 4:11 PM

    her hair is so pretty. :)

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  9. starcakeastrology.blogspot.comFebruary 13, 2010 at 8:27 PM

    great post!!! i love her diaries and that movie! the quote you started the post with is perfect!!!!

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  10. MeggstatusFebruary 13, 2010 at 9:41 PM

    I have always believed Maria de Medeiros was stunning, but I havn't thought about her for awhile. Thanks for bringing it back into focus <3

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  11. StuddedLillyFebruary 14, 2010 at 5:18 AM

    hey! thanks for stopping by my blog! your page is gorgeous and love to explore more about your t-shirt line :)

    xo

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  12. heleenFebruary 14, 2010 at 7:29 AM

    Anais Nin's words are very powerful and these movie stills are breathtakingly beautiful

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  13. marinaFebruary 15, 2010 at 9:48 PM

    Henry is June is just my fantasy style movie...that house they live in is just so pretty...it reminds me of the Lyell boutique a little...love my shirt!

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  14. LustyCapuccinoFebruary 20, 2010 at 8:35 PM

    LOve Maria de Medeiros, she is Portuguese like me.

    Kissys

    http://lustycapuccino.blogspot.com/

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  15. GraceMay 19, 2010 at 11:03 PM

    Yay someone else who loves this movie and Anais Nin! I did a post on it awhile ago.

    Love Grace.

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