The Air-Conditioned Nightmare (New Directions Paperbook) by Henry Miller (PDF)

Description

His stories and essays celebrate those rare individuals (famous and obscure) whose creative resilience and mere existence oppose the mechanization of minds and souls.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.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐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.

⭐Miller was an arrogant expat who more or less admitted that he came back to his country to write a book about how awful it is, thus proving that “America sucks” has been the mantra of our betters for at least 80 years now. He senses that the Americans he meets don’t like expats, which he chalks up to their provincialism and brainwashed loyalty to their country, rather to his insufferable arrogance.The book hews so close to the Comintern’s line at the time that he must have at least been echoing its talking points. I don’t know if he was a Stalinist but he certainly talked like one. If you can imagine something like the 1930s version of what the modern-day St. Petersburg troll farms churn out, it would be this book. America us cruel, America is unequal, American democracy is a sham, its people dull beasts who have the gall to be contented in this miserable country. America’s very birth was illegitimate, coming as it did on the backs of American Indians. In short: America is an obscenity.J. Peters could not have written it any better.If this kind if scribbling tickles your fancy, you will probably enjoy “The Air-Conditioned Nightmare.” Otherwise, skip it.

⭐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.

⭐What can be said that has not already been said. Read, learn and enjoy all of his work in a quiet place.

⭐Henry’s brilliant, and any given page of the Air-Conditioned nightmare might be brilliant, funny, insightful, etc. Overall the book was entertaining but Henry rambled on a lot, and maybe too much, about his trip across America, which is both his great strength and weakness.

⭐Book was in good shape. One of Miller’s best books, he had really found his stride.

⭐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.

⭐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.

⭐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.Arrived in good condition. Am satisfied.

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