colonial period, ca. 1600-1775

A collection of writings from colonial America, covering a period that ranges from before Columbus through the early nineteenth century with a focus on the American Revolutionary period.

Presents an overview of American literature from Colonialism through 1800, examining the social, cultural, and historical contexts of the time, providing information on Puritan morality, Enlightenment philosophy, and authors such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Phillis Wheatley, and more.

Explores the life of a colonial schoolmaster and his importance to the community, as well as everyday life, responsibilities, and social practices during that time.

Looks at the life of African American poet and slave Phillis Wheatley.

A biography of an African girl brought to New England as a slave in 1761 who became famous on both sides of the Atlantic as the first Black poet in America.

Presents a biography of Phillis Wheatley, slave and poet, and providing information on her youth, her family life, and her achievements.

A brief biography of the slave who learned to read and write, became the second woman in America to have a book published, and won international fame for her poetry.

Provides information about money and finance in colonial America, tracing the development of a money system from the arrival of Europeans at the end of the fifteenth century, to the American Revolution, discussing Native American money, merchant bankers, colonial merchants, bartering, coins and currency, taxes, and early banks and bankers.

Looks at how colonial Americans kept themselves entertained, discussing Native American sports and games, colonial sports, music, theater, social activities, festivals, and other topics. Includes a glossary and list of primary sources.