The Age of Phillis (Wesleyan Poetry Series)

The Age of Phillis is a groundbreaking collection of poems that imagines the life and times of Phillis Wheatley Peters, a young African American woman who published a book of poetry in 1773 that challenged Western prejudices about African and female intellectual capabilities.

Based on fifteen years of archival research, this book provides a detailed and compelling portrait of Wheatley's childhood in the Gambia, her life with her white American owners, her friendship with Obour Tanner, and her marriage to the enigmatic John Peters.

The poems in this collection also explore Wheatley's relationship to black people and their individual "mercies," offering a fresh perspective on her life and work.

With its meticulous research and powerful imagery, The Age of Phillis is a must-read for anyone interested in African American history, poetry, or the legacy of Phillis Wheatley Peters.