The Poems of Anne Bradstreet

by Anne Bradstreet, Douglas Wilson (Introduction)

The poems of Mrs. Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) together with her prose remains (1897). This book, "The poems of Mrs. Anne Bradstreet together with her prose remains," by Anne Bradstreet, Charles Eliot Norton, Frank Easton Hopkins, is a replication of a book originally published before 1897. It has been restored by human beings, page by page, so that you may enjoy it in a form as close to the original as possible.

Genres: Poetry, Audiobook, Classics

289 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1969

About the author

English poet Anne Dudley Bradstreet, wife of Simon Bradstreet, wrote several collections of verse, including The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America (1650).

People first published this first notable colonial woman. Her work much influenced Puritans in her time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Br...

Reviews

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to know Anne's poetry better, but this recording did not, I think, do it justice.

[Spencer Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her poem "Here Follows Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House July 10th, 1666" drew me in I found it fascinating reading about her life and the challenges faced just trying to be a female author in a Puritan society.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE her use of Rhetoric to show the plight and status of women in the 1600's in the colonies. Fun stuff.

[Mallika Soni]

--- Academic---

[Kateřina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very unique, deep-felt.

[Mills College Library]

811.1 B812 1969

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using this to record the poems of Anne Bradstreet that we read for my Literary Analysis class:

"The Author to Her Book" (1678) about the book of poetry her family published without her consent in a different country. It's satirical but very messed up.

"In Memory of My Dear Grandchild Elizabeth Bradstreet, Who Deceased August, 1665, Being a Year and a Half Old" (1678) Absolutely devastating. The theme of this poem was how beautiful the child was, almost too beautiful for this world. A sort of justification of her own grief and the horror of a child dying so young. I can't blame her, this would wreck me.

"In Memory of My Dear Grandchild Anne Bradstreet, Who Deceased June 20, 1669, Being Three Years and Seven Months Old" (1678) Again?! OH my dear woman this is so horrible. She focuses so much on her sorrow and how she should have been used to grief because she experienced this before, but fresh grief presses often on existing wounds.

"On My Dear Grandchild Simon Bradstreet, Who Died on 16 November, 1669, Being But a Month, and One Day Old" (1678) Y'all. SAME. YEAR. This poor woman. She has clung fully to God on this poem as an explanation for this terrible happening. It's so short and it's focused on this poor child finding rest. Ugh this is awful. How do you recover from three horrible losses like this??

[Alec]

I didn't care for the first few poems, but as the collection continued, her poems became more evocative. As much as I love listening to poetry, I may need to read Bradstreet's works to get a better read on them.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only read Contemplations

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book, I doubt I'll ever "finish" it; I keep rereading sections over and over and jumping around. I am so impressed with Anne Bradstreet on so many levels. As a puritan woman from the 1600s, she packs some surprises in her poetry. Her knowledge of global events, histories, and government leaders far surpasses that of most modern women, and I can only assume that of most women of her time. Unlike how most people from our era would stereotype a puritan, Anne discusses sex, defends women, isn't afraid to share her emotions or her opinions, and deeply loves her husband. And her choice of words in some of her poems is so good, it tempts me to memorize them. There are some where the rythym is slightly awkward, but you have to forgive her since her works were published without her knowledge, a fact which she also writes about while rueing the fact that she was not able to edit any of her work ahead of time. Some of her poetry is long and historical, some is short and sweet, some is mournful, and much of it reflects her deep faith. I can't even remember the last time I picked up a poetry book before this, it's definitely not a genre I frequent, but Anne's work is definitely worth reading. If you do try it, and find some unappealing, jump around until you find one that resonates with you. Anne's life was not easy and she struggled with chronic illness, worry, separation from loved ones, and much loss. I am so glad I purchased this book, there is so much in it. I am sure not everyone will share my enthusiasm, but I would give it ten stars if I could. It's fascinating to peek inside the mind of a woman from so long ago.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I understand it, she was America's first published female writer. At a time when an educated female was not commonplace there, she was killing the game and calling out those who dared to criticize her for being female and a writer. I am in awe of the material, but my knowledge of her writings is but elementary. I am in the middle of taking American Literature and was introduced to her poetry. This book was an enjoyable read.

[Douglas Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good. Good soul.