Jupiter Hammon and the Biblical Beginnings of African-American Literature

"Not often does a literary analysis offer clarification and insight of prevailing historical analysis. But that is precisely what O'Neale's analysis does. " —Cynthia Hamilton, Director, African and Afro-American Studies, University of Rhode Island
This critical edition of the works of Jupiter Hammon, the first black writer in America, modernized for 20th-century readers, includes vital background on Jupiter Hammon's life and times. Lack of information on striking similarities between northern slavery (particularly in Hammon's home state, New York) and the southern colonies, and on the slaves' survival strategies, has led to misinterpretation and lack of evaluation of works by 18th-century slave writers like Hammon, Wheatley, Occum, Equiano, and others. Equally important is the explication of Biblical symbolism that these writers used in surreptitious code to inspire rebellion against slavery.