The first American edition of Phillis Wheatley Peters’ book of poems

As we celebrate Black History Month, Phillis Wheatley Peters’ achievement is an ideal reminder that Black history is American history and African American literature is American literature.

You can be part of the William L. Clements Library's acquisition of one of the most important American books of the late eighteenth century–the first American edition of the earliest book of poetry published by an African American author. Phillis Wheatley Peters wrote Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral when she was just a teenager and still enslaved. Even though she endeavored with the help of her enslavers to publish her poems in Boston as early as 1772, she found more success in London. It was not until 1786 that the first American edition was published in Philadelphia.

While we do not know exactly how many copies the Philadelphia printer Joseph Cruikshank produced of Poems on Various Subjects, it was likely a small run. This edition is not only rare, it is the only copy in a public institution not located on the East Coast. The Clements Library makes these materials available for study and display because of donors like you. You can ensure that the Clements continues to acquire important documents by making a gift today!