Henry Miller was a controversial American writer known for breaking with existing literary forms and developing a new kind of semi-autobiographical novel. His work often blended autobiography, social criticism, philosophy, and mysticism, which led to it being banned in the US for its explicit content. Key works like 'Tropic of Cancer' and 'Tropic of Capricorn' challenged American censorship laws and redefined modern literature. Miller's expressive and candid style profoundly influenced the Beat Generation and subsequent counter-culture movements.