Phillis Wheatley
1753 - 1784
Phillis Wheatley Peters, also spelled Phyllis and Wheatly, was an American writer who is considered the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was sold into slavery at the age of seven or eight and transported to North America, where she was bought by the Wheatley family of Boston. After she learned to read and write, they encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent.Poems
- On Recollection
- To a Gentleman and Lady on the Death of the Lady's Brother and Sister
- On The Death of The Rev'd Dr Sewall
- On The Death Of A Young Lady Of Five Years Of Age
- To SM a Young African Painter
- To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth
- An Answer To The Rebus, By The Author Of These Poems
- On the Death of a Young Gentleman
- Isaiah LXIII
- To Captain H---d, of the 65th Regiment
- To a Clergyman on the Death of His Lady
- On the Death of JC an Infant