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Digressions on Some Poems By Frank O'Hara: A Memoir
by
Joe LeSueur
An unprecedented eyewitness account of the New York School, as seen between the lines of O'Hara's poetry
Joe LeSueur lived with Frank O'Hara from 1955 until 1965, the years when O'Hara wrote his greatest poems, including 'To the Film Industry in Crisis', 'In Memory of My Feelings', 'Having a Coke with You', and the famous Lunch Poems-so called because O'Hara wrote them...more
Paperback, 336 pages
Published
April 21st 2004
by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
(first published 2003)
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Joe LeSueur's memoir of his friend and companion, is a truly illuminating portrait of the artist. What makes these digressions so rich and rewarding for the reader, is the unique perspective LeSueur is able to bring to this material. These are LeSueur's memories of experiences and events shared with O'Hara and their myriad of friends and acquaintances. I found this book to be compelling, intimate and inspiring (indeed, "Lunch Poems" and "Selected Poems" were never too far out...more
Memoirs like these can sometimes seem a little pitiful, like a desperate grab at a great writer's estate (I think one of Keroac's wives published one recently that really exemplified this). But though Joe LeSueuer's achievements pale in comparison to his subject's, he's aware enough to pass this off with honesty and humor, making the memoir not pitiful at all, but warm and personal. His very intimate, very--as the title implies--digressive style works perfectly to illuminate the social milieu su...more
My favorite book on Frank O'Hara. Funny and chock-full of great anecdotes and insightful readings, all conjured up by one of O'Hara's closest friends. What more do you need?
this book made me fall in love with frank all over again. or for the first time. sort of. i mean, him. not just his poems. and his poems. and fabulous nyc in the 50s. and if you ever wanted to know what it was like to be gay and to be an artist or to be gay and in nyc or to be an artist in nyc or any combo of the above (mid-century of course), this is the book for you.
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This is not your typical book of criticism. Instead, Joe LeSeuer takes some of Frank O'Hara's poems and puts them into the context of O'Hara's life: who the people in the poems are, how they relate to each other, and what was going on in Frank's life. An excellent book. A great insight into an openly gay man living a very public life in the 50's and 60's. This has helped to cement Frank O'Hara as one of my heroes.
A very fascinating document regarding the poet Frank O'Hara. I try to read books regarding the New York School of Poetry - but they are hard to come by. It was a fascinating subculture type of world. Lots of martini's, paintings, painters, and other poets. O'Hara was the king in his circle and rightfully so. Wonderful poet.
I find myself bringing this book up in conversation all the time! A tender and loving portrait, of not only a set of a poet I love and his friends, but a version of New York City where everything was possible.
An intimate meditation on O'Hara's poems written by his former roommate (and occasional lover). Sometimes catty, sometimes moving, always deeply personal, this is a lovely find.
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