To be sold only as a complete archive, this is an important and fascinating view into the life and mind of one of the twentieth century’s greatest writers. Following are highlights from the Archive; this is by no means a complete listing of this incredible archive. Contact Guernsey's directly at auctions@guernseys.com or by calling 212-744-3638 to discuss the Collection in detail and to arrange an in person viewing of the materials.

• Henry Miller’s Letters to Brenda Venus. A stunning collection consisting of approximately four hundred and fifty original handwritten letters by Henry Miller, then in his eighties, to Brenda Venus. Approximately one thousand original pages, plus additional copies of other letters. In black, blue and red ink. Many are multi-page letters, some of which are written on two sides of the paper. Most of the paper is Mr. Miller’s letterhead with his name and address appearing printed upper left. Occasionally, printed quotes (by Henry Miller and other writers) appear on the bottom of the pages.

Ms.Venus was becoming known for her beauty (Miss Texas, Playboy Magazine centerfold, actress and dancer), and was also quite interested in American literature. It was this interest that led her to meet the elderly Mr. Miller. What ensued was a passionate exchange of letters (along with occasional physical encounters) that spanned 1976 - 1980, culminating with Mr. Miller’s passing. Mr. Miller, then in his eighties, wrote explicitly of his love, desire and lust for Ms. Venus. (Although the collection contains only a few of her written responses, the two clearly shared similar emotions despite their 60 year age difference.

Most of the letters include lengthy passages of love and explicit visions of sex. Importantly, they also are filled with Mr. Miller's thoughts about the world, about growing up (in an anti-Semitic Brooklyn neighborhood), life as a young writer living amongst Parisian prostitutes (while penning Tropic of Cancer), the free press, influences, great books, films and music, friends (many of whom, he points out, are great Jews), enemies, and countless other topics and opinions. Embedded in the letters are assorted lists, poems and a lengthy scene from a play Henry Miller was writing.

• Henry’s Miller’s Last Letter to Brenda Venue. Accompanied by a letter from his art gallery, this was the last letter Mr. Miller wrote to Ms. Venus and, quite possibly, the last letter he wrote in his life. It had been separated from the rest of the letters in this vast collection by Ms. Venus.

• Envelopes. Postmarked 1976 - 1979. Approx. 270 envelopes in which Henry Miller had sent letters to Brenda Venus. Most have Miller’s imprinted home address: 444 Ocamo Drive, Pacific Palisades, California. Brenda's name and addresses (Rancho Mirage and Los Angeles, California) are handwritten by Mr. Miller. A few have handwritten notes or scribbles by Henry while others have the following imprinted Henry Miller quote on the verso: “It would seem to me that the Japanese woman was put on this Earth to introduce a note of beauty and joy in a world which men from the beginning of time have tried to make ugly and unlivable.”

• Paris Guide Notebook. 9” x 7”. 31 handwritten pages + blank pages. Henry Miller’s handwritten guide to Paris prepared for Brenda Venus in anticipation of her travels to France. Reliving his many memories of Paris, Mr. Miller provides Ms. Venus with tips on living in Paris like a Parisian. He sites experiences he had when, as a young man, he roamed Paris encountering writers, actors, film makers and prostitutes. It was those experiences that formed the core of Tropic of Cancer. Included in this fascinating and absolutely unique book are the names (written in their respective hands) of filmmaker Francois Truffaut, actors Eugene Braun-Munk and Madame Langmann, and others.

• Art Nouveau-designed Notebook. 9.25” x 6.25.” Apparently begun in conjunction with the Paris Guide Notebook above, this fabric-covered notebook has two pages handwritten by Henry Miller for Brenda Venus.

• Henry Miller’s Antique Silver 8 Real (“Piece of 8”). 1.75” diameter. The coin is is contained in a silver setting attached to a white gold chain from Gucci. It is said to have been an object Henry Miller frequently carried with him late in his life.

• "The Heart of a Boy.” Four typewritten pages. Henry Miller’s name (typed) appears at end.

• “America, America”. Four typewritten pages. "Finis, Henry Miller 8/25/78” appears at end.

• Tropic of Capricorn - On the Ovarian Trolley. One page, typed, singed in ink Henry Miller, 8/2/76.

• Tropic of Capricorn - An Interlude. One page typed.

• Pauline. 15 typed pages; typed signature Henry Miller. In ink: For Brenda

• 10 Postcards written to Brenda Venus by Henry Miller. Interestingly, most of these were handwritten on the verso of postcards printed in color featuring Mr. Miller’s art.

• Henry Miller and Brenda Venus framed, signed photographic portrait. 14.25” x 18.5”. This is the photograph used on the cover of Dear, Dear Brenda, the book Brenda Venus wrote in 1986 that includes excerpts of some of these letters.

• Henry Miller’s Letters to Brenda Venus written on large paper. Four framed examples measuring approximately 13.5” x 11.75”, framed.