April Galleons. Signed by John Ashbery. First Edition, First Printing. Viking. New York, 1987.

John Ashbery is a titan of American poetry. He was a leading figure in the mid-to-late twentieth century, producing avant-garde poems known for their rich syntax, abstract imagery, and affective yet difficult qualities. Meaning is elusive in Ashbery’s work. Yet his poems are stirring. He is often associated with the New York School, but his work stands out among those contemporaries. Ashbery won numerous awards throughout his career, including a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and a National Book Award. April Galleons is considered one of his best collections. Published after several decades of literary success, it showcases Ashbery’s genius combined with experience. The titular poem in particular is one of his greatest–its lines rich in imagery and directional prepositions in some ways obfuscate its meaning. Yet those images and prepositions also turn the poem’s meaning into action–a verb, to search for it, the meaning is the search for what was burning from the start. For any Ashbery collector, April Galleons is an essential volume.

This first edition, first printing is signed by Ashbery on the title page. It is in fine condition. In the original quarter cloth, fine. Text block fine. In the original dust jacket, near-fine with only minor bumping and chipping to edges. Advance review copy with publisher’s review slip and author photo laid in.

A fine signed first edition of one of Ashbery’s best poetry collections.