Collection of six ALSs from Miller to Brenda Venus, five on personal letterhead and one on a color postcard featuring Miller’s painting, ‘Childish Dream,’ dated from 1976 through 1979.
Included are excerpts from a few of the letters:
July 9, 1976: “I just received word from a young woman journalist that her friend Francis Coppola (The Godfather) will be back in L. A. for a week or so very soon and that he would like to meet me and take me to dinner. Do you know him at all?”
May 3, 1978: “I had hoped to ask you to go to Imperial Gardens Sunday coming but cannot now. Lucia (Lisa’s daughter) and her Jewish boy friend are making dinner for me Sunday…Hugh Downs’ interview will be on tomorrow (KCET)—don’t know the time but think at 6:30 P. M. Check your T. V. guide, if you will. I am almost rattle–brained from all I have been through. No ‘emotional fatigue’ but a bit worn out.”
Dated only “Tuesday”: “I miss you like sin….Val is still here (sends you her love!!!), delayed from returning by the rains. She tells me the Pacific Coast Highway is just one big mud slide!…This is just another love token—to hand you when you arrive, together with a warm embrace.”
August 9, 1979: “You have no idea how happy you made me talking about the recent water colors. It was you who gave me the push and the inspiration. Today I have a visitor coming at 3:30 to talk of my D. H. L. book which she is putting together for me…Was sorry to learn you were so exhausted Sunday…And now you have taken on the sale of my paintings. Too much maybe?”
Also included is a satin-finish 8 x 10 photo of Miller and Venus, signed in red felt tip, “Lots of love, Brenda Venus.”
Some light creasing, a rusty paperclip impression to the top edge of one letter, and a dated pencil notation to another, otherwise overall fine condition.
Miller played a major role in the sexual revolution with his explicit books, including the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. Late in life, he had a love affair with Brenda Venus, a woman who would later go on to become a notorious “sexpert.” An actress and model, Venus captivated Miller and he began corresponding with her in June of 1976, pledging his love and writing her long, often erotic letters. “Henry nurtured my writing ability by corresponding with me,” Venus later said. “He taught me to be myself.” When Miller died in 1980, friends claimed that his passion for Venus kept him alive an additional couple of years. A book was later published about their correspondence in 1986 called Dear, Dear Brenda: The Love Letters of Henry Miller to Brenda Venus. A revealing glimpse into the personal life of a great American writer. RRAuction COA.
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