Bannaker's 1796 Almanack

Bannaker's 1796 Almanack

      This edition of Benjamin Bannaker's almanack is specific to Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. This almanack was printed for Philip Edwards, James Keddie, and Thomas, Andrews and Butler, to be sold at their individual stores. The author explains to the reader that making an almanack is not an easy feat. The almanack requires many aspects so that at least one will suit to an individual reader. The author also explains one feature behind the making of this almanack that they are especially proud of. A Black man, Bannaker, produced this almanack. Bannaker published this successful almanack despite the prejudices and disadvantages he faced as a Black man. 

      The almanack includes a diagram of a man's body in relation to astrological placements. The almanac also includes a calendar, currency chart, population census, court dates, routes, and anecdotes. One feature in this edition that isn't as apparent in other almanacks, is the anecdote about diet and exercise from Dr. Sutherland. One interesting point the doctor makes is that "wheat bread, properly fermented and well baked, is the most valuable part of diets" (Sutherland qtd. in Bannaker 29). Nowadays, doctors and nutritionists claim that a well-balanced mix of vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins is essential to a healthy diet. Sutherland also goes on for a bit about how wine can help those "who are troubled with stomach complaints" (qtd. in Bannaker 30) Once again, this challenges what current-day professionals believe as they would state that water should be drunk if stomach issues persist. In the section titled, "On Exercise" there are additional claims that oppose recent beliefs. Sutherland states that "exercise is best when the stomach is most empty" (qtd. in Bannaker 31). Today, many people believe consuming protein is the best way to prepare for a workout as it will give you energy to burn off. This entire portion of the almanack that discusses diet and exercise relates to a larger discussion of sustainability. The author included this anecdote from Dr. Sutherland as a method to promote a sustainable lifestyle and life longevity to the readers. This is still a current practice as many magazines, newspapers, and online forums contain sections about dieting and exercising. These authors also include pieces about healthier lifestyle choices to encourage sustainable practices so readers can have a long-lasting and healthy life. The difference between the anecdote in this almanack and other lifestyle anecdotes in recently published works is the claims made. The "healthy" diet facts and exercise opinions in this almanack clash with what is told to readers today. 

      Overall, this almanack was produced to inform the audience of many different aspects that would occur in the year 1796. The almanack also includes elements that the author believes readers should know outside of the year-specific aspects. Bannaker includes a sermon, short anecdotes that read as stories, and an anecdote from a doctor promoting a healthy diet and exercise. The author includes the doctor's anecdote to encourage a sustainable lifestyle. Promoting sustainable living is a theme also found in recent works that emulate almanacks.

Work Cited

Banneker, Benjamin. Bannaker's Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina almanack and ephemeris, for the year of our Lord 1796 ... Printed for Philip Edwards, James Keddie, and Thomas, Andrews and Butler; and sold at their respective stores, wholesale and retail, [1795]. Eighteenth Century Collections Online, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CB0127482328/ECCO?u=umd_um&sid=bookmark-ECCO&xid=158918b9&pg=27. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.