"Like Ashbery's own work, this debut collection by a little-known French poet invokes a poetic which is difficult to grasp, consequently giving the poetry a tincture that makes it all the more engaging. Many of the poems rely on the juxtaposition of surrealist imagery and deadpan simplicity, both carefully rendered with an eye for detail, brooding or arrestingly psychological. . . . Ashbery's translations, which run opposite the French originals, impeccably preserve the vibrant richness of Martory's highly accomplished poetry."—Publishers Weekly
"American readers now have the opportunity to read one of this century's major French poets, reversing the flow of literary discovery that has long existed between these two countries. . . . Thanks to the paints-taking translation by Ashbery, we are now privy to the personal memories, visions, humor and insights of a most remarkable poet."—Midwest Book Review
December 1994