The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man - Black Narratives by James Weldon Johnson Hardcover

Book Synopsis

A gifted musician's decision to navigate society as a white man causes an internal debate about anti-blackness and the explicit nature of intent versus impact. James Weldon Johnson presents a distinct conflict driven by a person's desires and overwhelming fear.

The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man follows the story of an unnamed narrator and his unique experience as a fair-skinned Black person. As a child, he is initially unaware of his race, but his mother soon clarifies their family's ancestry. The young man's ability to pass for white allows him to negate the harsh and discriminatory treatment most Black people face. This leads to a series of events that significantly shape the way he views his place in society.

James Weldon Johnson delivers a captivating tale of identity politics in the U.S. and abroad. The main character is living a life of omission that provides public gain at a personal cost. This story maintains its relevance as a critical examination of race in society.

With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man is both modern and readable.

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With thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.

From the Back Cover

A pivotal story about racial identity and the dangerous byproducts of white supremacy. The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, by James Weldon Johnson, explores the inner turmoil of a biracial man and his undeniable truth. It's a compelling narrative that confronts many privileges and disparities within the African American community.