Colonial Period (1607-1765):
* Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672): First published poet in colonial America. Her work explored Puritan life and religious themes.
* Cotton Mather (1663-1728): Puritan minister and writer known for his historical and theological works, notably "Magnalia Christi Americana."
* Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758): Influential preacher and theologian who wrote powerful sermons and theological treatises.
* Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790): Polymath who wrote extensively on science, politics, and morality. His "Autobiography" is a classic.
* William Byrd II (1674-1744): Plantation owner, politician, and author of the humorous and insightful "History of the Dividing Line."
Early National Period (1765-1830):
* Thomas Paine (1737-1809): Revolutionary writer whose pamphlets, including "Common Sense" and "American Crisis," were key to inspiring the American Revolution.
* Phyllis Wheatley (1753-1784): Enslaved African-American poet who became the first published African-American female poet.
* James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851): Author of the "Leatherstocking Tales," adventure stories that romanticized the American frontier. He is considered the first American novelist.
* Washington Irving (1783-1859): Master of short stories and sketches, best known for "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."
* William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878): Poet, journalist, and editor known for his nature poetry and contributions to American literature.
American Renaissance (1830-1870):
* Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864): Author of "The Scarlet Letter," a novel exploring Puritanism and sin.
* Herman Melville (1819-1891): Author of "Moby-Dick," a complex epic about obsession and the sea.
* Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862): Transcendentalist writer and naturalist best known for his book "Walden," a reflection on simple living.
* Emily Dickinson (1830-1886): Celebrated poet known for her unique style, unconventional rhyme schemes, and exploration of death and immortality.
* Walt Whitman (1819-1892): Poet who celebrated democracy, individuality, and the common person in his groundbreaking collection "Leaves of Grass."
Additional Notes:
* This is not an exhaustive list. Many other talented early American writers deserve recognition.
* It's important to note that there were also many writers of color, women, and other marginalized groups during these periods whose work was often overlooked or erased by the dominant literary culture.
* These writers laid the foundation for a distinct American literary tradition and continue to influence and inspire writers today.