John Ashbery

John Ashbery's biography charts his emergence from a minor avant-garde figure to the most important poet of his generation, making the case for a more approachable, enjoyable, and engaged Ashbery. It will appeal to students, the general reader, and anyone interested in American poetry, queer lives, and twentieth-century history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2023
Publisher: Reaktion Books

John Ashbery, renowned for the enigmatic nature of his work, has garnered a reputation for its perceived complexity. However, this biography reveals a multifaceted personality that encompasses elements of entertainment, humor, and charm. Moreover, Ashbery demonstrates a keen responsiveness to the ever-evolving social and political contexts of his time. Spanning his journey from a minor avant-garde figure to the preeminent poet of his generation, this biography charts Ashbery's ascent to prominence.

In this captivating account, Jess Cotton offers a clear and accessible guide to Ashbery's body of work, weaving together threads of poetry, New York's art and literary scene, and the political climate of the mid-twentieth century. Through this lens, Cotton presents a compelling argument for a more approachable, enjoyable, and engaged Ashbery, appealing to a wide range of readers, including students, scholars, and enthusiasts of American poetry, queer lives, and twentieth-century history.

Ashbery's poetry is characterized by its playful language, intricate wordplay, and a sense of humor that often manifests in unexpected ways. His work explores the boundaries between reality and imagination, blurring the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Cotton's analysis highlights the connections between Ashbery's poetry and the broader cultural landscape of his time, drawing attention to the influence of art, literature, and politics on his artistic expression.

One of the key themes in Ashbery's work is the exploration of identity and the complexities of human experience. He often employs surrealistic and abstract imagery to convey the subjective nature of perception and the elusive nature of self-understanding. Through his poetry, Ashbery invites readers to engage in a sensory and imaginative journey, challenging them to see the world from new perspectives.

Another notable aspect of Ashbery's career is his involvement in the New York art and literary scene. He was a close friend and collaborator of many influential artists and writers, including Jackson *******, Willem de Kooning, and Frank O'Hara. His connections to these artists not only influenced his own work but also contributed to the development of a vibrant and dynamic artistic community in New York City.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Ashbery was also a vocal advocate for social and political causes. He was a prominent member of the LGBTQ+ community and used his poetry to raise awareness about issues of gender, sexuality, and identity. His work often addressed the struggles and marginalization faced by marginalized communities, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Throughout his career, Ashbery remained committed to his craft and continued to produce new and innovative work. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1976, which recognized his significant contributions to American literature. His legacy as a poet continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and writers.

In conclusion, John Ashbery's biography offers a rich and multifaceted portrait of a poet who defied conventional expectations and emerged as one of the most important figures of his generation. Through his playful language, intricate wordplay, and sense of humor, Ashbery's poetry invites readers to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination, challenging them to see the world from new perspectives. His involvement in the New York art and literary scene and his advocacy for social and political causes further solidify his place as a cultural icon. As his legacy continues to resonate, Ashbery remains a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, entertain, and engage audiences of all backgrounds.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789143911