Parallel Movement of the Hands

Parallel Movement of the Hands, a posthumous collection by acclaimed poet John Ashbery, features previously unpublished long poems and projects created between 1993 and 2007, revealing his diverse artistic interests from literature and music to early photography and biblical parables. Edited by Ashbery’s former assistant Emily Skillings with a preface by Ben Lerner, the book offers fresh insights into his creative process and expansive artistic influences. This collection highlights Ashbery’s ongoing exploration of long-form works alongside his celebrated shorter poems, providing a comprehensive view of his innovative poetic vision.