Jupiter Hammon and the Biblical Beginnings of African-American Literature

Hammon (1711-179?), a slave, is considered the first black writer in America. His works four poems, two essays, and a sermon are here reprinted with modernized text and critical interpretation. O'Neale supplies background on Hammon's life and times, and suggests that he (and other 18th-century slave writers) has been unjustly overlooked. She argues that his biblical language and imagery represents a statement of black theology, as well as a public assault against slavery. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.