This book renders coverage on the life and historic achievements of Phillis Wheatley, the first black poet of America. Kidnapped from her home in Africa and sold as a slave, she acquired freedom before the American Revolution and was acclaimed as a poet when still a teenager. This book captures her childhood, growing-up years, beginnings as a poet and various struggles of adulthood, taking the reader to the time of her lonely death at the age of 31. It serves to highlight the story of courage and creativity, which helped Phillis earn her place as an important colonial poet.

This is part of Chelsea House Publishers' American Women of Achievement series. This ebook contains the complete text from the original print version.