Miller began writing "Tropic of Capricorn" in earnest toward the end of 1933 while living in Paris. At the time, he was also writing "Black Spring", and putting the finishing touches on "Tropic of Cancer". Early on, he referred to "Tropic of Capricorn" as "the June book." His biographer Robert Ferguson called the book Miller's attempt at "retrieving in written form as much as possible of the disappearing past." Although referred to as "the June book," his second wife is more of an influence than a primary character, making only a short appearance. The book is dedicated "To Her," in reference to June.