The book
Frequently Asked Questions
What period of John Ashbery’s life does the book cover?
The biography follows Ashbery’s first twenty-eight years, from his childhood in upstate New York through the acceptance of Some Trees and his departure for France in 1955.
What sources were used?
The book draws on unpublished correspondence, juvenilia, childhood diaries, archival material, and more than one hundred hours of conversation with John Ashbery.
Where can I purchase the book?
The Songs We Know Best was published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux and is available through booksellers in hardcover, paperback, and ebook editions.
Is a press kit available?
Yes. The downloadable press kit is available on the About the Author page.