Synopsis

First published in 1834, this volume contains a collection of memoirs and poems by Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753–1784). Wheatley was an American freed slave and poet who wrote the first book of poetry by an African-American. Sold into slavery in West Africa at the age of around seven, she was taken to North America, where she served the Wheatley family of Boston. Phillis was tutored in reading and writing by Mary, the Wheatleys’ 18-year-old daughter, and was reading Latin and Greek classics from the age of twelve. Encouraged by the progressive Wheatleys who recognised her incredible literary talent, she wrote “To the University of Cambridge” when she was 14. By the age of 20 she had found patronage in Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon. Her works garnered acclaim in both England and the colonies, and she became the first African-American to make a living as a poet.

Ragged Hand is proud to republish this classic collection of poetry in a new edition, complete with an introductory chapter by L. Maria Child.