The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (AmazonClassics Edition) - Hardcover

Weldon Johnson, James

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1542031036 ISBN 13: 9781542031035

Publisher: AmazonClassics, 2021

Synopsis

In this fictional confession, an unnamed narrator reveals the “great secret” of his life: he was born mixed race―and his ability to pass as white has provided him a unique perspective on America’s profound racial prejudice. As he recounts his experiences in the American South, the suburbs of the Northeast, New York City jazz clubs, and various European capitals, he also grapples with the emotional fallout of a life lived in constant fear of discovery―a life lived, in other words, in a culture unaccountably preoccupied with the shade of a person’s skin.

This milestone in American literature remains as arresting and provocative as it was when it was first published more than a century ago.

Revised edition: Previously published as The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, this edition of The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.

About this title

About the Author

James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938) was an author, educator, lawyer, diplomat, and civil rights activist best remembered today for his iconic anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the novel The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, and educated at Atlanta University, Johnson moved to New York City in 1901 and became a leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance. He took on many other roles as well, including teacher and later principal of Stanton, a Jacksonville school for African American students; US consul to Venezuela; lyricist; writer; and, in 1920, national organizer for the NAACP. Johnson was also the author of three volumes of poetry, several works of nonfiction, and a memoir.

Edition details

• Publisher: AmazonClassics
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1542031036
• ISBN 13: 9781542031035
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 154