Benjamin Tompson, 1642-1714,: First Native-Born Poet of America: His Poems, Collected With an Introduction by Howard Judson Hall

"Benjamin Tompson, 1642-1714: First Native-Born Poet of America" is a definitive collection of the poetic works of a foundational figure in early American literature. As the first poet born on American soil, Tompson provides a unique and essential window into the cultural, religious, and social landscape of 17th-century New England. This volume brings together his significant contributions to the American canon, most notably the epic "New-Englands Crisis," which serves as a powerful contemporary account of King Philip's War. Through his verse, Tompson captures the anxieties and burgeoning identity of the Massachusetts Bay Colony with a sophisticated neoclassical style.

The collection showcases Tompson's versatility as a writer, featuring his elegies, satires, and occasional verses. His work reflects the complex transition from European literary traditions to a distinct American voice, characterized by a deep engagement with the local landscape and the struggles of colonial life. This compilation highlights Tompson's intellectual legacy as a Harvard graduate and educator, offering readers a glimpse into the early intellectual life of the colonies. Benjamin Tompson remains a vital subject for scholars of American history and literature, and this collection preserves the wit and formal mastery of a poet who chronicled the birth of a nation's literary identity.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.