To My Husband and Other Poems

by Anne Bradstreet, Robert Hutchinson (Editor)

The daughter of one colonial governor and the wife of another, Anne Dudley Bradstreet (1612–72) was also a skilled and accomplished writer, whose collection of poetry, The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America, was the first volume of original verse written in the colonies. In addition to being America's first poet, she was also, in great likelihood, the first professional woman poet in the English language.
This collection of poetry, selected from a number of her works, discloses the thoughts of a remarkably sensitive and well-educated woman. Exhibiting great range and beauty, the poems encompass everything from lyric verses addressed to her husband and children and a formal elegy in honor of Queen Elizabeth I to loving epitaphs honoring her deceased mother, father, and grandchildren.
Grouped according to category (love, home life, religious meditations, dialogues, and lamentations), the poems not only exhibit Anne Bradstreet’s wide learning but also reveal the influence of Montaigne, Homer, Raleigh, Sidney, Spenser, and other poets. Sure to be welcomed by students and teachers, this collection is also important for the light it sheds on the cares, concerns, and roles of colonial women.

Genres: Poetry, American, Classics, Nonfiction, Classic Literature, 17th Century, Literature

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1672

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

[Exina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a required reading at American literature seminar in college. Anne Bradstreet was the first published female poet in colonial America. Her poetry is outstanding and significant of its time.

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me ye women if you can.

I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompence.

Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I liked this and I didn’t like this. After awhile it all just seemed to blend together in spirit and expression.

Oh my word! I just found a poem "To My Dear and Loving Husband" that I used in an American Lit class when we were learning various styles of poetry so we spent time modeling. Without getting into it I chose this poem (light note-auto correct wrote I chose this pork. When do I ever use the word pork) and let loose my emotions about being a pregnant 17 year old in a catholic high school and why I was pregnant. I recognized it immediately! I'm pretty sure I still own my version in a box in my closet. WOW I'm stunned!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and fascinating book of poems written by my 10th-great-grandmother! I was impressed by the variety of topics she explores, and the depth of her philosophy/theology, particularly given the era in which she lived and the social mores of the time (it was far from seemly, in most Puritan eyes especially, for a woman to be so educated and of independent thought).

I only wish this little book offered more of her works, and some commentary to put each in greater context.

[Abby Helmuth]

It’s hard to know how to rate this collection of poems. I didn’t particularly enjoy them; Bradstreet’s style seems stilted and overwrought, at least to me as a modern reader. But I admire the depth of her faith, her devotion to her husband and children, and her boldness in pushing back against misogynistic views of women in her time.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Bradstreet is my hero. She raised eight children and continued to write. Her writing is beautiful and her life inspiring. Her faith in God unwavering. I cannot read her work without having my own faith increase.

[Bethanyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne isn't an easy poet to read but I love her work all the same.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Bradstreet is America's first published poet, and the country's first female writer. She did not intend to be known; as it was common belief that women, especially Puritan women, should not write, as the pastime would take away from a woman's homemaking and child rearing duties. But Anne shows herself to be capable of being a wonderful mother, a loving wife, and a perfect Puritan (as she was one of the Elect), as well as a writer.

Her poems are all very personal, giving us a look at the depth of love she had for her family and God. She is mostly known for her poems "To My Dear and Loving Husband," and "Upon the Burning of Our House," but she should also be recognized as not only America's first poet, but also America's first playwright and feminist.

In regards to the former, Bradstreet writes a beautiful piece, "A Dialogue Between Old England and New," in which England and America speak to each other as a woeful mother and a consoling, but independent, daughter. In regards to the latter, Bradstreet writes a poem as an elegy for the Queen, writing, "Nay Masculines, you have thus taxt us long,/ But she, though dead, will vindicate our wrong./ Let such as say our Sex is void of Reason,/ Know t'is a Slander now,/ but once was Treason."

Bradstreet's writing is both progressive and traditional, portraying the great amount of passion she had for the life she was given. I recommend this book for anyone interested in Puritanism, poetry, feminism, and anyone who wants to read about Bradstreet beyond the sparse credit she is given in the classroom.

[Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

The poetry itself I would rate a 4 overall, but the book itself, given its strange layout and ommissions, is closer to a two. I will therefore split the difference.

Bradstreet's poetry is in general thoughtful, spiritual poetry that humbles itself before classical works and contemporary titans of poetry. Her work stands on its own as deeply subjective work that delves into the hardships of life in America during the Colonial Period, as well as personal struggles with faith. Bradstreet's fawning over her children and husband in her verse is moving, especially in reference to her children's sicknesses and deaths.

The dover thrift edition, while immensely affordable, leaves a lot to be desired in the way of formatting. The sections are divided by genre, but the divisions often feel arbitrary. Better, I believe would have been chronological or by collection/manuscript, so as to highlight the poems in their context. By collection would have been even more interesting because the poems maintain much of their original spelling, although I assume with light editing for archaic characters.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Bradstreet wrote the first volume of poetry to be published in North America. Her subject matters reflect childbirth, marriage, the Christian faith and the perils of life in the seventieth century. Her rhyming patterns are clear to follow and her poems are easily understandable. Someone who has trouble following modern poets will find this work very digestible. What came through most powerfully from her poetry are the emotions conveyed in them. Anyone who is tempted to stereotype puritans living in New England during this period as stoic and unfeeling find a different tone here. These poems have the power to awaken the inner most feelings of the reader.

[Ripley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Some of these poems brought me to tears. "In Reference to Her Children" was completely stunning. Using birds as an allusion was so fitting. As a mother, the poem was just beautiful. "To My Dear and Loving Husband" was also a lovely poem. Overall, I was so shocked by how beautiful these poems were. It wasn't what I expected from a Puritan at all.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

These poems really convey the hardships of early American life from a wife's perspective. She gets caught writing poems, so most editions should have a poem that she wrote ABOUT how she is not supposed to write anymore because it is not proper for a woman to do so. :)

[Nat Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful imagery ... difficult language. Requires a strong understanding of British history.

[Polar Bear Star · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible just dreadfully horrible.

[Jackson Cyril · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the poems are touching-- her house burning down, her kids' deaths etc.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poems that are very accessible.. I wish this poet were more widely known.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful expressions of faith in daily life.

[Maryna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Анна Брэдстрит - первый поэт в английских североамериканских колониях и первая женщина-автор, опубликованная на территории современных США. Родилась в Англии в благородной семье, позже переехала в числе первых колонистов в Америку. Была дочерью губернатора колонии Массачусетского залива, а потом женой следующего губернатора. Была из тех пуритан, которые спасаясь от преследований со стороны английской короны, уехали в Новый Свет. О чем же пишет этот человек? О горе, о вере, о своих стихотворениях. Стихи о стихах - выше всяких похвал, а вот всем остальным проникнуться не удалось. Я, как Станиславский - не верю! Почему-то в каждой строчке мне чудилось "я должна так думать, так чувствовать и так говорить, потому что я добропорядочная пуританка и почтенная женщина!" Почти все стихотворения Брэдстрит очень автобиографичны: есть стихотворение о пожаре в ее доме, есть о выходе ее стихов, есть три элегии на смерть ее внуков. И вот о��и-то как раз и были последней каплей в моем "не-верю". Такое впечатление, что дай ей сейчас кувалду в руки и она разнесет весь мир, но это где-то так глубоко внутри, что и не докопаться, а на поверхности ��олько смирение и покорность воле Господа. А это не то, что я хочу видеть в стихах... Я хочу искренности. И дело не в периоде - творили же приблизительно в то же время (чуть раньше) Шекспир и Джон Донн, каждая строчка стихов у которых говорит о эмоциях и искренних мыслях. Значит, можно же писать по-другому... Одним словом, каждому свое. Брэдстрит не для меня.

5 / 10

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this slim volume of simple, heartfelt poetry by Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672). Most of it was written in times of illness or despair, but always with her eyes firmly fixed on the Lord as her help and stay. Sometimes it is an effort to keep reading because of antiquated spelling, but this is a very small quibble.

After one life-threatening illness, she wrote:

My thankfull heart with glorying tongue
Shall celebrate thy Name,
Who hath restor'd, redeem'd, recur'd
From sickness, death and pain.

Lord, whilst my fleeting time shall last,
Thy Goodness let me tell.
And new experiences I have gain'd
My future doubts repell.

An humble, faithfull life, o Lord
Forever let me walk;
Let my obedience testefye,
My praise lies not in talk.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful. I want to read more poetry by this astounding American poet. Her love of nature, of her family, and especially of her husband whom she married at age 16, pulse through the writing and are timeless. I am still trying to get my head around how long ago she lived; she wrote a poem in honor of Queen Elizabeth I who died just a few years before she was born, and she was a contemporary of Spenser! Nearby Merrimack College is involved in a project to try to find Anne Bradstreet's burial site which is unknown, and to bring her name and work back into vogue. Her husband Governor Simon Bradstreet who outlived her by many years, is buried in Salem, MA.

[Katelynn Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed Bradstreet’s homey lyricism, wit, and deep Puritan convictions. Her poems show she was a woman who loved her children, husband, and God. Most pieces respond to ordinary events of life, but she can also speak wisely on the political affairs of the day. My favorite poems were “Upon the burning of our house” and “The Author to her Book.” Her poems reflecting on the deaths of grandchildren were also touching and indicative of her unflinching hope in God through hardship.

“More fool then I to look on that was lent,
As if mine own, when thus impermanent.
Farewel dear child, thou ne’er shall come to me,
But yet a while, and I shall go to thee.”

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anne Bradstreet is likely the most well-known early English poet from North America. She was an early Puritan settler in the Massachusetts Bay Colony who raised a large family. She was well-read and well-educated. While raising her brood of 8 children, she wrote on themes of religion, family, death, and the role of women in a Puritan family.

This book is a small collection of her work, and her devotion to God, her husband, and her family rings clear.

[Freya Abbas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved some of Anne Bradstreet's poems in "The Tenth Muse" such as about the four seasons, four humours, four ages of man, etc. But the ones chosen for this collection were mostly boring. The love poems for her husband are rather unoriginal. I did however love the dialogue between Old and New England as it demonstrates Bradstreet's historical knowledge and her wide reading, similar to the poems on ancient civilizations in "The Tenth Muse."

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and rich poems by America’s first poet! She shares deep love for her family and God and also describes America’s relationship with England in the 1600s. She longs for her husband’s return from trips to England and thanks God for his return and for his returning health to those who are sick.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

These poems, so well done, show a slice of life for a woman living in 17th century New England.

[Stacie Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Christian readers, you need to read this book! It is very inspiring how she praises God through all the hardships and losses she went through. Her faith is incredible!

[Rea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read it for class. Woman was smart but omg it was boring

[s · Rating 4 out of 5]

required reading for college that i actually liked

[Lily Kroese · Rating 2 out of 5]

good classic just not what I prefer to read

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written. I loved the 1600s and its authors. I am starting to read American ones and this is just gorgeous. Read it.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I have a shelter from the storm,
A shadow from the fainting heat.
I have access unto his Throne,
Who is a God so wondrous great.”