To Paint is to Love Again. Signed by Henry Miller to Abe Rattner. Limited First Edition, First Printing. Cambria Books. Alhambra, 1960.

Henry Miller is rarely grouped with his contemporaries from the twentieth century. A perpetual nonconformist, Miller applied postmodern conventions with a candid delivery, especially where his work dealt with sexual and explicit content. In turn, he was one of the most banned authors from the era. Yet he was also highly admired, especially among fellow artists and writers. While most people will recognize his writing, Miller was also an avid painter who produced hundreds of works in his lifetime, many of which are held in major collections. In this volume, To Paint Is to Love Again, Miller presents fourteen color plates of his work as well as essays on the subject. It is one of several books on watercolor painting that Miller published. Of those works, it is probably the most personal. His essays and exemplary paintings showcase a deep appreciation for the subject.

This limited first edition is signed by Miller on the half-title page. It is one of only 50 numbered copies. In the original cloth, fine. Text block fine. In the original dust jacket, very good with some chipping, creases, rubbing, and closed tears. One large chip to back panel.

A scarce limited first edition signed by Henry Miller to fellow painter and Miller’s longtime friend, Abe Rattner.