Phillis Wheatley was an inspiring 18th-century poet known for powerful poems on freedom and faith. Her groundbreaking collection, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, marks her as the first African American woman published poet.
If you enjoy reading books by Phillis Wheatley then you might also like the following authors:
Olaudah Equiano's work blends autobiography and social commentary, describing his own experiences with slavery and freedom. His memoir, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, gives readers powerful insights into slavery's harsh realities.
Readers who appreciate Phillis Wheatley's direct style and thoughtful reflections on freedom and injustice will find Equiano's writing equally meaningful.
Ignatius Sancho's letters show a thoughtful approach to social, political, and literary issues of his era, expressed with warmth and elegance. Like Phillis Wheatley, he skillfully uses his perspective as a Black writer to engage readers and challenge injustice.
His work Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho, an African demonstrates his engaging writing style, thoughtful observations, and sharp wit.
Jupiter Hammon is known as one of the earliest African-American poets, writing verses deeply informed by his Christian faith. His poem An Evening Thought reflects on spiritual devotion and the human need for hope.
Readers fond of Phillis Wheatley's spiritually inspired poetry and carefully composed language might appreciate Hammon's thoughtful style and religious themes.
Anne Bradstreet is an early American poet whose writing reflects her experiences and broader themes of faith, family, mortality, and acceptance. Her work, The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America, addresses personal feelings and everyday struggles with honesty and genuineness.
Just as Phillis Wheatley beautifully combines personal reflection and spiritual concerns in her poetry, Bradstreet's candid style resonates similarly.
Alexander Pope is an English poet whose careful skill and polished technique make his poems memorable and impactful. His sharp sense of irony and clever commentary on human society can be clearly seen in An Essay on Man.
Like Phillis Wheatley's skillful use of structure and meter, Pope's poetic form heightens the clarity and strength of his ideas, appealing to readers who appreciate well-crafted verse and philosophical depth.
Thomas Gray was an English poet known for a thoughtful and reflective style, exploring themes of mortality, society, and everyday humanity. His poetry has a graceful precision that evokes emotion and contemplation.
In his famous poem, Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, Gray reflects on the lives of ordinary people and their quiet dignity, encouraging readers to consider the common experiences that unite us all.
Oliver Goldsmith's writing stands out for its warmth, wit, and gentle critique of society's excesses. He often focuses on themes like simplicity, community values, and nostalgia for a lost past.
His notable work The Deserted Village powerfully illustrates the negative effects of social change, mourning the loss of rural simplicity and community life.
William Cowper writes poetry that balances simplicity with emotional depth, touching on personal struggles, faith, nature, and the beauty in everyday life. Cowper often evokes a feeling of quiet reflection and comforting familiarity.
His poem The Task expresses the healing power of the natural world, his faith, and ordinary experiences, showing how meaningful the simple moments of life can be.
George Whitefield was a preacher rather than a poet or novelist, but his published sermons are vivid and deeply moving. He spoke passionately and directly, focusing on strong spiritual themes such as redemption, salvation, and personal transformation.
In his work Sermons on Important Subjects, Whitefield addresses human nature, faith, and morality, reaching audiences on an emotional and spiritual level.
Samson Occom was a Native American minister and writer whose work reflects his Christian faith, personal experience, and the challenges facing Native American communities. He writes clearly and plainly, providing insight into the intersection of identity, faith, and justice.
His autobiography, A Short Narrative of My Life, shares his struggles, hopes, and his experiences navigating two cultures.
Mercy Otis Warren was an American poet and playwright who voiced strong opinions about liberty and independence. Like Phillis Wheatley, Warren tackled themes of freedom, political rights, and moral conviction.
Warren's poetry often blends personal sentiments with broader political ideas. Her notable work, Poems, Dramatic and Miscellaneous, showcases her thoughtful reflections on the revolutionary spirit and social change in colonial America.
Lemuel Haynes was a pioneering African-American preacher and poet whose writings emphasized equality, liberty, and moral authority. Similar to Phillis Wheatley, Haynes used his literary abilities to confront the injustices of slavery and advocate for human rights.
His influential work Liberty Further Extended powerfully argues against the institution of slavery by appealing to reason, religion, and humanity.
John Milton was an English poet famous for exploring profound religious and moral themes. Like Wheatley, Milton often engaged with spiritual subjects, addressing faith, morality, virtue, and human struggle.
His epic poem Paradise Lost recounts the biblical story of Adam and Eve, examining themes of free will, disobedience, and redemption in complex and meaningful ways.
Paul Laurence Dunbar was an influential African-American poet known for skillfully blending standard English with African-American dialect in his works. Dunbar shares with Phillis Wheatley a sensitivity to issues of race, identity, and the struggles faced by African-Americans.
His poetry collection Lyrics of Lowly Life expresses both hardship and hope, exploring themes central to experiences of racism, oppression, and personal dignity.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was an African-American poet, novelist, and activist who passionately addressed issues of slavery, racism, women's rights, and social justice. Like Phillis Wheatley, Harper advocated for social change through the power of her poetry.
Her book Poems on Miscellaneous Subjects highlights her skillful storytelling and deep commitment to equality and human dignity.