The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

More about the book

Exploring themes of identity and self-invention, this narrative follows a mixed-race piano prodigy navigating the complexities of race and society in early 20th-century America. The protagonist's journey takes him from Jacksonville to major cities like New York and Paris, highlighting the struggles and choices imposed by an unjust world. As the first first-person novel by an African American author, it reflects on the significance of chance and choice, influencing later literary figures and movements. The book also features Johnson's impactful editorials and a biographical timeline.