Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I have to thank my supervisor, Kerstin Schmidt, without whose invaluable advice and insights this book might never have existed. She also put me into touch with my second supervisor, Nassim Balestrini, whose spot-on criticism has aided me in editing my dissertation and turning it into a book.
The thoughtful feedback and great support from my colleagues in Eichstätt, Julia Faisst, Nathalie Aghoro, Nicole Schneider, and Julia Rössler, has guided me throughout my PhD. Thank you! Along the way, I have met many more colleagues who have generously offered to engage with my work and share their thoughts with me, most importantly Marc Matter and Martina Pfeiler. In the very final phase of editing and publishing the project, Sarah Earnshaw held my paw many times and motivated me not to lose patience close to the finish line.
My PhD project was funded and made possible by the Studienstiftung (German Academic Scholarship Foundation). Next to the foundation, my work was facilitated by the archives and institutions I visited in the U.S. to conduct my research. I would like to thank Christina Davis and particularly Mary Walker Graham at the Woodberry Poetry Room, Giorno Poetry Systems and its former archivist Anastasia Clarke, and, finally, the Archives of American Art as well as the Museum of Modern Art Archives.
I count myself lucky to have a wonderful circle of friends whose unwavering love and support mean the world to me. Anna and Micha, thank you for reading my dissertation and taking the time to discuss my research. I look forward to sharing more funny and fabulous moments with you! Konsti, thank you for inviting me to your reading group and introducing me to sociological thinking. Becky, thank you for the moral support and an ever-humorous outlook on the many challenges academic life holds. When I started working on this project, my dear friend Kerstin passed away. We miss you. I’m indefinitely grateful for the time we got to share. Sophia, Lion, Konni, and Simon, thank you for always being there!
My parents, my brother Philipp and sister Sophie have loved and supported me from the very start. I cannot thank you enough. Jonas, without you this would have not been possible. Thank you for your endless patience, understanding, and love.