Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral
Artifact IDTL 2026.1.29
Object Type
Poem
Date
1773
Author
Phillis Wheatley
(African, 1753 - 1784)
Printer
Archibald Bell
Place MadeLondon, England
Medium
book
DimensionsOverall W 6 5/8 in x D 7 1/2 in (16.8 cm x 19.1 cm )
Physical Descriptionprinted book of Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley. (London: Bell, 1773).
Historical NoteBorn in the West Indies and brought to the colonies as a child, Phillis Wheatley received a thorough education unheard of for an enslaved person in the colonies. Her poetry began
appearing in Boston newspapers around 1767. As her popularity grew, critics began to question her authorship, refusing to believe than an enslaved Black woman could write such remarkable poetry. Wheatley's first book was published in London after she was unable to publish in the American colonies. Her Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral became the first book of poetry published by an enslaved Black woman. The frontispiece portrait of Wheatley was created by the enslaved artist Scipio Moorhead.
Additional Detailsappearing in Boston newspapers around 1767. As her popularity grew, critics began to question her authorship, refusing to believe than an enslaved Black woman could write such remarkable poetry. Wheatley's first book was published in London after she was unable to publish in the American colonies. Her Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral became the first book of poetry published by an enslaved Black woman. The frontispiece portrait of Wheatley was created by the enslaved artist Scipio Moorhead.
Credit LineCourtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteThe use of this image and document information is fully restricted. Reproduction in any manner is not allowed.Not on view