Appearing in print in 1662, Michael Wigglesworth’s book length poem, Day of Doom, has the honor of being the first bestselling book published in the United States.
Who was Michael Wigglesworth?
Wigglesworth’s fame and reputation is based entirely on the Day of Doom. Born in 1631 in England, Michael Wigglesworth and his family came to the United States, when Michael was only seven years old. After preparing for three years, he entered Harvard College at age sixteen; he graduated in 1651 and became of tutor Harvard. He tutored many future ministers, including the famed Increase Mather.
He had trained to be a minister, was ordained, and was asked to serve at Malden, but poor health prevented him from taking the position. He traveled to Bermuda, in hopes of strengthening his health, but the trip was proved more difficult for him than any benefit might have received.
After returning to New England, he was finally able to serve as minister at Malden, but several other ministers had to help him until 1687, when he was then stronger and able to fulfill his duties alone.
Day of Doom
After its first appearance in 1662, Day of Doom went through eight printings from its first edition in 1662 to the eighth edition in 1751. It was published in both the U.S. and England.
The first printing sold over 1800 copies. Each further printing sold out. The book was widely used in schools, where students were required to memorize its stanzas. The book served as a companion to Puritan teachings and helped make specific the ideas that were preached from the pulpit.
Day of Doom Today
Today’s poetry world cannot identify with Michael Wigglesworth’s classic. Some contemporary critics defame it as “doggerel.” But the purpose of book was not chiefly literary; it was written for the purpose of helping readers understand the King James Version of the Bible.
