John Ashbery Book order

This book places poetry by Ashbery (1927-2017), gathered from his later collections, in conversation with a selection of contemporaneous art writing. In addition, as Ashbery loved music and listened to it while writing, the "playlists" here offer representative samplings of music from these same years, culled from Ashbery's own library of recordings. Ashbery's poetry is frequently described as ekphrastic, though, rather than writing a poem "based on'' or "inspired" by the content of an artwork or piece of music, he engages with how the experience of seeing it and the artistic strategies employed offer ways of thinking about it and through it. Many of the observations from Ashbery's art writing also offer keys to how we might read his poetry. Many of the recordings he listened to feature contemporary classical works that emphasize complex textures, disparate sounds, and disjunct phrases--qualities which are mimicked in his poetry. Ashbery's poetry similarly plays with a diversity of poetic textures and sudden turns such that a reader might construct multiple narratives or pathways of meaning. He rarely offers linear stories or focuses on evocative descriptions of a scene or object. In exploring this ekphrastic book project, the reader is invited to discover how, for Ashbery, these three forms might illuminate and inform one another. In Mónica de la Torre's introduction, she explores the connection between the three muses of music, art, and poetry, and the ekphrastic experience of reading Ashbery-- Provided by publisher

Collects five long, serial poems which the American master John Ashbery left unfinished.

A capsule of the imaginative life of the individual, Some Trees is the 52nd volume of the Yale Series of Younger Poets   Comparing him to T. S. Eliot, Stephanie Burt writes that Ashbery is “the last figure whom half of the English-language poets alive thought a great model, and the other half thought incomprehensible.” After the publication of Some Trees, selecting judge W. H. Auden famously confessed that he didn’t understand a word of it. Most reviews were negative. But in this first book of poems from one of the century’s most important poets, one finds the seeds of Ashbery’s oeuvre, including the influence of French surrealists—many of whom he translated—and abstract expressionism.

John Ashbery's evolution as a poet is showcased in this collection, which spans his early works from 1956 to 1972. It includes his debut, "Some Trees," and "The Tennis Court Oath," reflecting his experimentation with themes, styles, and forms over two decades. This volume allows readers to explore the development of one of the 20th century's most significant American poets, highlighting the intricate layers and innovative approaches that define his celebrated body of work.

Widely considered the most important poet in America today, John Ashbery creates collage both in his poetry and as visual art. This beautiful volume features Ashbery s collage work in both media.

John Ashbery's poetry navigates the complexities of modern life, capturing its joys, sorrows, and contradictions. His unique use of everyday language, alongside references to pop culture and art, transforms mundane experiences into profound expressions of emotion. By blending various tones and styles, Ashbery reveals how even trivial aspects of existence can convey significant feelings, offering readers a nuanced exploration of the human experience.

Career-defining collection of the most decorated US poet, timed to mark his 90th birthday.

Featuring a diverse collection of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, this anthology is perfect for leisurely moments, whether you're relaxing on a picnic blanket or a porch swing. The curated pieces invite readers to immerse themselves in various themes and styles, making it an ideal companion for those looking to enjoy thought-provoking literature in a casual setting.

New collection of poetry from the Pulitzer Prize winning US poet.