When Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley was published in 1773, it marked several significant milestones. Following is a selection of poems by Phillis Wheatley from this collection.

It was the first book by a slave to be published in the Colonies, and only the third book by a woman in the American colonies to be published. 

Phillis (not her original name) was brought to the North America in 1761 as part of the slave trade from Senegal/Gambia. She was purchased from the slave market by John Wheatley of Boston, as a personal servant to his wife, Susanna. She was given the surname of the family, as was customary at the time. Read More→