The Poet's View: John Ashbery

In this segment of The Poet's View, John Ashbery reads his poem "The History of My Life," a poem inspired by the death of his brother.

The Poet's View series features the life and work of some of America's finest poets. These films are warmly insightful portraits recorded in the personal setting of each poet's home and at various locations. The series was produced by the Academy of American Poets with generous assistance from the Wallace Stevens Fund. The director/producer was Mel Stuart, whose credits include the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and many critically acclaimed documentaries.