Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley was the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry. Born in West Africa and sold into slavery as a child, she was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, who taught her to read and write. Her work gained international acclaim, and she became a symbol of the intellectual potential of African Americans.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Collected Works Of Phillis Wheatley

    The Complete Writings of America's First Black Poet

    "The Collected Works of Phillis Wheatley" is an anthology of poetry and letters by the first African American woman to be published, offering a profound insight into the life and mind of an 18th-century enslaved woman who rose to literary prominence. Her work, which includes elegies and poems on various subjects, reflects her classical education and her unique perspective on themes such as morality, religion, and identity. Despite her status as a slave, her eloquence and erudition earned her recognition among the intellectuals of her time, and her writing continues to be celebrated for its artistry and its contribution to the understanding of the African American experience during the colonial period.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
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