The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (Collector’s Edition) (Laminated Hardback with Jacket)

Collector’s Edition Laminated Hardback with Jacket

What if a single revelation shattered your entire sense of self? Raised in comfort and privilege, the narrator’s life is upended when he learns he’s biracial in a society divided by race. From the vibrant music halls of Harlem to the cultural depths of the South, he embarks on a journey to understand identity, artistry, and belonging. Torn between embracing his heritage and the temptation to pass as white, he faces a choice that could shape his future forever.

James Weldon Johnson’s The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man is a groundbreaking exploration of race, identity, and social mobility in early 20th-century America. Published anonymously in 1912, it challenged racial norms by giving voice to the complexities of biracial identity and the experience of passing as white. Through its fictional lens, the book offered sharp commentary on segregation, cultural richness, and the struggle for equality, resonating deeply during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Its innovative blend of memoir and novel continues to influence discussions on race and identity today, marking it as a cornerstone of American literature.