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Rivers and Mountains

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description Rivers and Mountains Overview

Rivers and Mountains is a 1966 poetry collection by the American poet John Ashbery, associated with the New York School of poets. The book is an early landmark in Ashbery's career, showcasing the abstract, meditative, and highly fluid style that would later define his Pulitzer Prize-winning work. It includes the long poems "The Skaters" and "Clepsydra," which are heavily studied for their complex syntax and shifting perspectives. The collection was a finalist for the National Book Award.

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Who wrote the poetry collection 'Rivers and Mountains'?

The collection was written by the American poet John Ashbery, a prominent figure associated with the New York School of poets. It was released in 1966 and remains an early landmark in his highly celebrated literary career.

What style of poetry is 'Rivers and Mountains'?

It showcases an abstract, meditative, and highly fluid style that intentionally defies traditional linear narrative. Ashbery's work in this collection is known for its shifting perspectives and complex syntax that challenges the reader's perception.

Did John Ashbery win a Pulitzer Prize for 'Rivers and Mountains'?

While 'Rivers and Mountains' was nominated for the National Book Award, Ashbery actually won the Pulitzer Prize a decade later for his 1975 masterpiece, 'Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror.' However, this 1966 book laid the crucial groundwork for his later critical success.

What is the longest poem in 'Rivers and Mountains'?

The most notable long poem in the collection is 'The Skaters,' an epic piece that spans several pages and utilizes dramatic typographical shifts. It brilliantly exemplifies Ashbery's abstract, fluid style and is considered a masterclass in avant-garde American poetry.

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