Phillis Wheatley's Poem "On Recollection" in 1772 Annual Register Anthology

Wheatley, Phyllis

Book

Phillis Wheatley. The Annual Register, or a View of the History, Politics, and Literature For the Year 1772. Fifth edition. J. Dodsley: London, 1795. Original marbled half leather boards. Measures 6 x 8.5 inches. 255 pages. An anthology of major works from the year 1772 including Wheatley's poem "On Recollection." The poem would be included in Wheatley's collection published in 1773 but appeared first in this anthology. The 1772 anthology is the earliest publishing of a Phyllis Wheatley's works. Placed among major historic events, state papers, useful projects, characters, essays and other significant poems from the year, the anthology places Wheatley within the context of her own precarious time. Wheatley's owners tried to have her work published in the colonies but were refused by publishing houses unwilling to promote the work of an enslaved woman of color. Wheatley was sent to London where abolitionism was better underway, and her poetry was first published there. The Annual Register is a reference anthology published every year to record the year's major events, developments and trends worldwide. First published in 1758, it was among the most respected titles in print by the 1760s. Written and edited by parliamentarian Edmund Burke who opposed slavery and proposed a bill to ban slave holders from sitting on the Seat of Commons. This fifth edition of the 1772 register was published in 1795, a year when the French revolution was raging and British interest in abolitionism waning as a result. An important record for its inclusion of the anomalous Phyllis Wheatley, marking her place in history where elsewhere she has been erased. Light foxing to early pages does not affect text. Marbled front board scuffed. Leather spine and boards remarkably intact. Textblock tight and clean. Very good condition.

Item #18114

Price: $4,500.00