Books like Lawrence Durrell and Henry Miller by Lawrence Durrell

Henry Miller’s debut novel follows a lyrical, autobiographical monologue in which he recounts his early 1930s Parisian life, exploring sex, human behavior and bohemian culture with frankness and poetic intensity.

Better known for her five volume portrait of English rural life, Our Village, Mary Russell Mitford (1787-1855) was one of the most prolific female writers of her day. Part critical essay, part autobiography, Recollections consists of a series of sketches on and selections from Mitford's favourite authors, stemming from her desire 'to make others relish a few favourite writers as heartily as I have relished them myself'. The collection is arranged according to Mitford's own eclectic system of categorization including 'fashionable poets', 'cavalier poets', and 'poetry that poets love'. Mitford wears her immense literary skill lightly and Recollections is masterfully written, full of lively wit and fascinating biographical detail. Published just three years before Mitford's death, it was based on earlier articles and letters. Authors included range from Chaucer to Sir Walter Scott and Mitford's friend Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Henry James’s annotated correspondence reveals the mind of a master novelist, offering insights into his works, literary craft, and views on sex, politics, and friendship through letters to writers, artists, and leaders.