Secondary sourceDocument1905
Wheatley, Phillis, entry in New International Encyclopedia
1905
A 1905 encyclopedia entry on Phillis Wheatley's life, poetry, and reputation, noting her enslavement and later marriage.
This 1905 encyclopedia entry summarizes Wheatley's life and poetry, while also showing period biases in judging her work.
About this source
What it is
This is a short biographical entry on Phillis Wheatley published in 1905 in the New International Encyclopædia. It covers her arrival in America, her purchase and education by John Wheatley, the 1773 publication of her poems in London, her reception by the Countess of Huntingdon's circle, Washington's complimentary letter, and her later marriage to John Peters.
Why it matters
This entry reflects how early 20th-century reference works judged Wheatley, including a dismissive comment on her poetic ability, revealing the biases of the time even as it preserves factual details about her life and publications.
Look closer
- How does the entry's judgment of her poetic talent compare with her historical importance as a published author?
- What does the entry reveal about attitudes toward African-American writers in 1905?
- What details about her life does this entry include that other sources might leave out?
This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Phyllis Wheatley on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
More Phyllis Wheatley sources
Meet the AI Phyllis Wheatley →
BookPrimary source
Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral
Phillis Wheatley · 1773
BookPrimary source
On Being Brought from Africa to America
Phillis Wheatley · 1768 (published 1773)
PaintingPrimary source
Phillis Wheatley
Scipio Moorhead · 1773
Primary source
To His Excellency General Washington
Phillis Wheatley · 1775
Primary source
Notes on the State of Virginia
Thomas Jefferson · written 1781-1783, published 1785
Ready when you are
Start chatting with Phyllis Wheatley now.
20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.