# John Ashbery

> poet from the United States of America (1927–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q29418](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29418)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ashbery)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-ashbery

## Summary
John Ashbery was an American poet (1927–2017) known for his influential contributions to modern poetry, particularly through works like *Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror* (1962) and *The Tennis Court Oath* (1962). He was a professor at Harvard University and a recipient of prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and the National Humanities Medal.

## Biography
- Born: July 28, 1927, in Niagara Falls, New York
- Nationality: American
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Harvard College (1949), Master’s degree from Harvard University (1950), PhD from Harvard University (1953)
- Known for: Pioneering modernist poetry with a focus on language and structure
- Employer(s): Harvard University, Columbia University, New York University, Deerfield Academy, Bard College, Brooklyn College
- Field(s): Poetry, literature, education

## Contributions
- Published *Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror* (1962), a landmark work in modernist poetry
- Co-authored *The Tennis Court Oath* (1962) with Robert Creeley, contributing to the New York School of poetry
- Served as a professor at Harvard University, Columbia University, and other institutions
- Translated and edited works by poets such as Paul Celan and Rilke
- Contributed to literary journals and magazines, including *Partisan Review* and *New York Herald Tribune*
- Received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1963), the National Humanities Medal (2013), and the Guggenheim Fellowship

## FAQs
**What is John Ashbery known for?**
John Ashbery is known for his groundbreaking contributions to modernist poetry, particularly through works like *Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror* (1962) and *The Tennis Court Oath* (1962). He was a professor at Harvard University and a recipient of prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.

**Where did John Ashbery study?**
John Ashbery earned a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard College (1949), a Master’s degree from Harvard University (1950), and a PhD from Harvard University (1953).

**What awards did John Ashbery receive?**
John Ashbery received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1963), the National Humanities Medal (2013), the Guggenheim Fellowship, and the MacArthur Fellowship.

**Where did John Ashbery teach?**
John Ashbery taught at Harvard University, Columbia University, New York University, Deerfield Academy, Bard College, and Brooklyn College.

**What was John Ashbery’s notable work?**
John Ashbery’s notable works include *Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror* (1962) and *The Tennis Court Oath* (1962), both of which were influential in modernist poetry. He also translated and edited works by poets such as Paul Celan and Rilke.

## Why They Matter
John Ashbery’s work significantly influenced modernist poetry, particularly through his exploration of language and structure in works like *Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror*. His contributions to the New York School of poetry and his role as a professor at prestigious institutions shaped the literary landscape. His awards and recognition cemented his legacy as a leading figure in American poetry. Ashbery’s impact extends beyond his own works, inspiring generations of poets and critics. His ability to redefine poetic expression through innovative techniques and themes has left a lasting mark on the field.

## Notable For
- Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1963)
- National Humanities Medal (2013)
- Guggenheim Fellowship
- MacArthur Fellowship
- Professor at Harvard University
- Co-author of *The Tennis Court Oath* (1962)
- Translator and editor of works by Paul Celan and Rilke
- Contributor to *Partisan Review* and *New York Herald Tribune*

## Body
### Early Life and Education
John Ashbery was born on July 28, 1927, in Niagara Falls, New York. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard College in 1949, a Master’s degree from Harvard University in 1950, and a PhD from Harvard University in 1953. His education laid the foundation for his career in literature and poetry.

### Career and Teaching
John Ashbery began his career as a professor, teaching at Harvard University, Columbia University, New York University, Deerfield Academy, Bard College, and Brooklyn College. His teaching roles allowed him to mentor and influence future generations of poets and writers.

### Literary Contributions
John Ashbery is best known for his influential works, including *Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror* (1962) and *The Tennis Court Oath* (1962). These publications were pivotal in the development of modernist poetry and the New York School of poetry. He also translated and edited works by poets such as Paul Celan and Rilke, further expanding his impact on the literary world.

### Awards and Recognition
John Ashbery received numerous prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1963), the National Humanities Medal (2013), the Guggenheim Fellowship, and the MacArthur Fellowship. These accolades recognized his significant contributions to poetry and literature.

### Influence and Legacy
John Ashbery’s work has had a profound influence on modernist poetry, inspiring countless poets and critics. His innovative techniques and themes have left a lasting legacy in the field. His ability to redefine poetic expression continues to shape the literary landscape.

### Publications and Collaborations
John Ashbery contributed to various literary journals and magazines, including *Partisan Review* and *New York Herald Tribune*. He also collaborated with other poets, such as Robert Creeley, on works like *The Tennis Court Oath* (1962). These collaborations further enriched his literary contributions.

### Personal Life and Death
John Ashbery passed away on September 3, 2017. His personal life and contributions to literature continue to be remembered and celebrated. His legacy as a pioneering poet and educator remains a significant part of American literary history.

## References

1. poets.org
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