Phyllis Wheatley was the first important black American poet. Brought on a slave at age eight, Wheatley was purchased for his wife by John Wheatley, a wealthy merchant tailor. Phyllis learned how to read and write. At age fourteen, Phyllis began to write poetry.
Some of her poems reflected this deeply Christian lady. Wheatley's book Poems on Varoius Subjects, Religion and Moral was published in 1773 in England. She was also aware of her status as a slave and those people who sought their independence. After Wheatley was freed and married a free slave, she disappeared from the poetry scene and died in obscurity.
World Book Encyclopedia
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