The 18th century in American poetry represents a transformative period that shaped the nation’s literary landscape. This was an era of intellectual revolution, as the American colonies were on the brink of independence. The poetry of this period was diverse, ranging from colonial religious verse to political poems, and from the early stirrings of Romanticism to the influence of European classics. Many of these poets wrote with a strong sense of patriotism, spirituality, and personal expression. Below, we will explore 14 of the most influential American poets from the 18th century, highlighting their literary contributions, notable works, and influence on American literature.
14 Famous American Poets of the 18th Century
1. Phillis Wheatley (1753–1784)
Literary Contributions
Phillis Wheatley was one of the first African American poets to publish a book of poetry. Her work challenged prevailing stereotypes about the intellectual abilities of African slaves, showcasing her profound literary skill. Wheatley’s poetry often incorporated classical references, as well as religious and moral themes.
Notable Works
Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773)
“On Being Brought from Africa to America”
“To His Excellency George Washington”
Influence
Wheatley’s poetry was groundbreaking for its time. She was one of the first African Americans to achieve literary recognition, and her works provided a voice for a marginalized group in society. Wheatley’s influence extends beyond literature, as she helped to challenge racist ideologies and open doors for African American writers in the centuries to come.
2. Philip Freneau (1752–1832)
Literary Contributions
Known as the “Poet of the American Revolution,” Philip Freneau’s poems were both politically charged and richly descriptive. He was influenced by Enlightenment ideals, which he combined with the growing American sentiment for independence. Freneau’s verse often touched on themes of nature, freedom, and the human condition.
Notable Works
The Poems of Philip Freneau (1786)
“The American Soldier”
“On the Emigration to America and Peopling the Western World”
Influence
Freneau’s work helped to establish a distinctly American voice in literature. His poetry was widely read during and after the American Revolution, and his themes of liberty and patriotism resonated with a young nation. His influence extended to later American Romantic poets such as Walt Whitman.
3. J. Hector St. John de Crèvecœur (1735–1813)
Literary Contributions
A French-American writer, St. John de Crèvecœur was influential in shaping the American identity in the 18th century. His works presented a vision of America as a land of opportunity and freedom, attracting European readers and fostering a sense of national pride.
Notable Works
Letters from an American Farmer (1782)
“What is an American?”
Influence
Crèvecœur’s writing presented a vision of America as a melting pot of cultures, which influenced later discussions of American identity. His work remains a key text in the study of early American literature and the evolution of the American myth.
4. Edmund Burke (1729–1797)
Literary Contributions
Edmund Burke, although primarily known as a British philosopher and statesman, also influenced American poetry through his rhetorical style and his ideas on aesthetics. His political and philosophical essays inspired poets in the 18th century to address the ethical and political aspects of life in a fledgling nation.
Notable Works
Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790)
A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful (1757)
Influence
Burke’s thoughts on the sublime and the beautiful influenced American poets to focus on the emotional and philosophical aspects of their writing. His views on revolution and government also shaped the political poetry of the time, providing a foundation for the works of poets like Freneau.
5. Phyllis Wheatley (1753–1784)
Literary Contributions
One of the earliest African American poets, Wheatley’s works, written in a classical style, reflected both her experiences as a slave and her admiration for the ideals of freedom. Her works often contained neoclassical themes, along with the influence of Christian beliefs.
Notable Works
Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773)
“On Being Brought from Africa to America”
“To His Excellency George Washington”
Influence
Wheatley’s poems were instrumental in proving that African Americans were capable of intellectual and artistic achievement, challenging societal assumptions about race and ability. Her work influenced later African American writers and poets, such as Langston Hughes.
6. Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794)
Literary Contributions
Lee was a statesman and poet whose works were often political in nature. He is perhaps best known for his contributions to American independence, but he also wrote poems that captured the spirit of the times.
Notable Works
“The Declaration of Independence”
“To His Excellency George Washington”
Influence
Lee’s poetry mirrored his political ambitions, blending his patriotism with his poetic talents. His works contributed to the literary development of the period, especially in the realm of political expression.
7. David Humphreys (1752–1818)
Literary Contributions
David Humphreys was an American diplomat, soldier, and poet. His works often reflected his experiences during the Revolutionary War and his personal relationships with key figures like George Washington.
Notable Works
Miscellaneous Works (1804)
“Address to the American Soldiers”
Influence
Humphreys’ writings contributed to the patriotic poetry of the period, and his works helped to solidify the role of poetry in expressing national identity.
8. Thomas Paine (1737–1809)
Literary Contributions
Although not primarily known as a poet, Thomas Paine wrote influential political pamphlets and essays that had a profound impact on American thought. His ability to blend clear rhetoric with persuasive argument has inspired many poets and writers.
Notable Works
Common Sense (1776)
The American Crisis (1776–1783)
Influence
Paine’s writings helped spark the American Revolution, and his style of persuasive writing became a model for many poets and writers in the years that followed.
9. Sarah Wentworth Morton (1759–1846)
Literary Contributions
Sarah Wentworth Morton was one of the most prominent female poets of the 18th century. Her work often dealt with themes of personal expression, patriotism, and women’s roles in society.
Notable Works
Poems (1790)
“The Trial of the British Prison Ship”
Influence
Morton’s poetry was part of a growing movement that included female voices in American literature, laying the groundwork for women’s contributions to literary traditions in the following centuries.
10. William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878)
Literary Contributions
Bryant’s poetry was characterized by its emphasis on nature and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Although his work came in the early 19th century, he represented a culmination of 18th-century poetic traditions.
Notable Works
“Thanatopsis”
“To a Waterfowl”
Influence
Bryant’s reverence for nature made him a key figure in the American Romantic movement. His poetry influenced many poets who followed, including Walt Whitman.
11. Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758)
Literary Contributions
Jonathan Edwards was a key figure in the First Great Awakening, and his sermons were as influential as his poetry. His religious poems were deeply introspective, focusing on themes of salvation and divine grace.
Notable Works
“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”
“The New Birth”
Influence
Edwards’ works helped to shape the theological and literary landscape of the time. His blend of religious fervor and poetic introspection influenced many poets in the centuries to come.
12. John Trumbull (1750–1831)
Literary Contributions
John Trumbull was known for his historical and satirical poetry. He wrote extensively about the American Revolution, often in a humorous or critical light, blending politics with art.
Notable Works
M’Fingal (1775)
“The Progress of Dulness”
Influence
Trumbull’s use of satire and historical themes made him an influential figure in American poetry. His works reflected the growing sentiment of American independence and were a precursor to more modern literary forms.
13. Mildred Lewis (1763–1829)
Literary Contributions
Mildred Lewis was a relatively obscure poet of the 18th century, but her work reflects the period’s social and political currents. Her poetry often dealt with themes of love, nature, and personal reflection.
Notable Works
“The Lady of the Lake”
“The American Dream”
Influence
While not as widely remembered as some of her contemporaries, Mildred Lewis contributed to the emerging American poetic voice in the late 18th century.
14. James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851)
Literary Contributions
James Fenimore Cooper was an American writer whose work helped define the American novel. Though better known for his novels, his poetry also explored themes of American identity, nature, and the frontier.
Notable Works
The Last (1826)
“The Pioneers”
Influence
Cooper’s works played a key role in shaping the early American literary canon, influencing both poets and novelists who sought to define what it meant to be American.
Conclusion
The 18th century in American poetry was a period of transition, as colonial themes gave way to those of independence, national identity, and personal expression. The poets of this time laid the foundation for future generations of American writers, exploring a variety of subjects from politics to nature, and from religion to personal reflection. These poets not only captured the spirit of their era but also helped to define what it meant to be an American artist.
