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 VIRTUE.
- TO THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, IN NEW-ENGLAND.
- TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. 1768.
- On being brought from Africa to America.
- On the Death of the Rev. Dr. SEWELL, 1769.
- On the Death of the Rev. Mr. GEORGE WHITEFIELD. 1770.
- On the Death of a young Lady of Five Years of Age.
- On the Death of a young Gentleman.
- To a Lady on the Death of her Husband.
- GOLIATH OF GATH.
- Thoughts on the WORKS OF PROVIDENCE.
- To a Lady on the Death of three Relations.