The Poems of Phillis Wheatley: With Letters and a Memoir

I am so grateful for the opportunity to read this book. So few writings exist from African American's who lived in the era of slavery. Her thoughts and perspectives are important and critical for generations to come.

Phillis Wheatley's existence single-handedly disproved the lies that fueled the racist fervor keeping slaves oppressed in America's early history. Taken from Africa at an early age, she outpaced the white world in literary skill with only a modicum of the traditional education. Her knowledge of Christian and Roman mythologies is extensive, and her imagery sometimes evokes the most skilled of the Romantic writers. Wheatley writes with skillful and poignant voice, one that was asked to eulogize some of the most significant figures of her locale, and were eventually presented to the public in a striking display of forward-thinking from the Wheatley family.Due to the time of authorship, there are obviously some portions that would significantly disturb most people today - despite the Wheatleys' abolitionist policies, white supremacism still finds power in the cover letter and memoir, and even in some of Wheatley's poems. However, it is to the Dover Edition's credit that it includes the extraneous text, because the memoir's account of Wheatley's life is invaluable, and the cover letter demonstrated the racist, sexist, and overall oppressive conditions within which Wheatley was forced to operate.Overall: Powerful and moving poetry, bookended by enlightening historical context. Absolutely worth a buy.

A remarkable poet and person. A slave with limited formal education,she produced works that were truly beautiful.She was the first African American poet,and proved that ex slaves could be brilliant.

I have to say learning of Phyllis life gave depth to her poems. The cadence was a bit difficult to fall in step with initially, however it gets easier as you read

Great. Don't pass this up. Also I'm not a robot and I did not get paid to say this. Thanks!

I haven't read much but I liked what I did read

This was a gift to someone very dear to my heart. This book is like new with no tears or frills and it arrived as promised and the quality was as noted on the site.

Interesting and sad

interesting reading material

I feel sad there isn't more on this poet/ celebrating her. But this book is a good start.

This is a truly beautiful book of poetry. I like and appreciate poetry but a lover of it ...no. This book I love. I think it should be on the national curriculum despite the historical language. The author's personal history is amazing to learn too.