The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (Dover Thrift Editions: Black History)

"Along This Way" is one of the finest autobiographies that I have ever read. It is possible that I am biased, as I will explain. However the quality of this autobiography is difficult to dispute. In addition to the excellence of this work, I was lucky enough to find a vintage hard copy that had been at the Lynn Massachusetts Public Libray from 1933. I love Vintage Books. I greatly enjoyed holding this book and contemplating the book itself as I read it. I found the entire experience sublime.James Weldon Johnson is a great man of African American heritage. He was born in Florida after the Civil War. He was highly educated and a gifted writer. He became a member of the Florida Law Bar despite potential discrimination, he wrote music and poetry. He represented the United States as a diplomat. He was an early member of the NAACP. He fought for Civil Rights Legislation and specifically Anti Lynching Legislation. I feel that he is not as well remembered as some other titans of the African American Communitry of this time, but is of their stature.As far as my personal bias is concerned, James Weldon Johnson is one of my favorite poets generally and one of my favorite African American poets more specifically. My three favorite African Anerican Male Poets are Claude McKay, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, and James Weldon Johnson, in no particular order. In this autobiography I find that they all knew each other. James Weldon Johnson also authored my personal favorite African American novel, "The Autobiography of An Ex Colored Man". Therefore this autobiography is both excellent standing on its own merit but also is at the heart of several of my most serious interests. (In the unlikely event that it matters, my favorite African American novels authored by females is a tie between "The Street" by Ann Petry, and "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison.)Among my numerous academic interests is African American History, Literature and Culture. I say, without the slightest fear of exaggeration, that I could construct an entire course of study regarding these subjects, between trhe late nineteenth century and 1933, based on this one book. The real titan of the era that I missed personally, and seemed notable in his absence is Doctor Carter G. Woodson. I would want to include him in such a course but that would open up another entire avenue of study.In summary it would be difficult to exaggerate how much I enjoyed this book. Obviously this book matched my interests and tastes. But the eloquence and erudition of the writing by this seemingly somewhat forgotten great man leaped off of the pages at me. I am extremely grateful to have come across this fine book. Thank You...

This book took me through so many turns, and it was great! This is an intriguing look into the life of a passing mixed-race character, and the way the narrative is woven together kept me hanging on till the last page. It's an important part of American history that no one bothered talking about in K-12, and I'm glad I was introduced to it through this book.

The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man is an incredible book. Written in 1912, it is from author/poet James Weldon Johnson, perhaps most known for his verse sermons God’s Trombones. This book recounts the life of a fictional narrator—although some would say that narrator is very close to Johnson himself—who tells of his life from childhood to fatherhood. What we get is a powerful lesson in history, human nature, the path of the black man in American culture, and a sociological study unparalleled. Johnson’s protagonist is a keen observer of the time, able to traverse both black and white society because of his light skin color. The full impact of the title doesn’t come until late in the book, so I won’t spoil it here. Suffice it to say this is one man’s journey and the lessons learned along the way. And considering we can draw parallels to today’s social atmosphere, it is a lesson for us all.

For a long time I've often wondered why anyone would want to be white (not being one myself). I never had the desire. I know what it feels like to be discriminated against simply because of my ethnicity. These days, there are so many people of mixed blood, and yet a person with one white parent and one black parent is still considered black, always wondered why. This book doesn't explain that but it brings up a lot of things to think about. And it might start a serious, deep discussion about what it actually means to be white, or to be black, etc., why must we categorized our ethnicity? He doesn't make excuses for himself, he doesn't shift the blame to anyone but himself. He takes full responsibility for what happens to himself. Which is refreshing. And you can understand why he chooses what he does in the end (especially given the time period the book was written in). I ended up feeling sad that he has given up half of who he is, half of his own history, half of his ancestry, and that his kids will miss out on that delight too. I still don't understand that mental problem people about one drop of non-white blood excludes you from being considered white, just makes no sense to me. Blood is blood. And these days, if you've ever had a transfusion, you might be getting blood for some other race. Anyway, the book brings up some good things to think about, to talk about, to explore a little further with people not of your own race just to see from their perspective.

I chose 5 stars for a number of reasons. The first is the joy of reading a beautifully crafted and honest piece of writing. The poetic style elevated the narrative which is another reason for my rating. I appreciated the complex description of the perceptions of colored and whiteness versus the actual state of both groups of people. Third, the author introduced new and important nuances defying the stereotypical way of understanding history. He negated commonly held beliefs for both the white and the Negro and invited the reader into an honest and intimate exploration of personal and communal identity. Fourth, I believe this is a necessary resource for addressing the "negro question", a reference made by the author to what, why, and how to make progress in racial tolerance and human regard. Finally, I appreciate that this autobiography did not end as a spectacular tragedy or happy ending. There was no cleverly crafted moral statement. The account stands on it's own and from it I take many lessons to apply to my own consideration of white and colored, the cultural biases, and what role do I play in the continuing of history.

In this story the main character who is brought up to as white but who is actually part black. He is able to pass in both cultures but does not truly belong in either. During his journey of self discovery he meets many interesting characters and witnesses some shocking events. The ending is not satisfying but real life is full of compromises. You have to forgive some of the plot devices used - especially the Thomas Hardy like coinicidemces. The book still feels relevant given our modern obsession for dividing and judging people based on one label. For example, in the story the main character is admired by respectable whites because of his piano playing. But he worries that they will find out the truth of his origins. But why, logically, should the colour of his skin effect his ability to play Chopin? A person can have many labels the most important of which, in my opinion, the most important is human being.

This was an interesting book and a very vivid one at that. I have read it some time ago and felt that it was a great work of fiction. Although, race is a very difficult topic to discuss, I think the author did it very eloquently and truthfully, as I was able to recognize some descriptions as being veritable.Pick this book if you're looking for good fiction that revolves around racial issues, in order to better understand them and perhaps, to help us keep moving forward in the struggle of equality.

This was an interesting quick read (couple of hours)

Excellent purchase, good quality. Exactly what I wanted. I am still using it. Once finished, I will order another book.

Despite the title, this book is actually a complete work of fiction; although there are number of things within it that are clearly inspired by the authors actual experiences. The main character starts life as a young boy living in the south of the USA in the latter part of the 19th century / early 20th century. It then details the various key stages in his life through to marriage.The book details the struggle of the African-American people of the period; this was after all, at a time long before the civil rights movement. Although they had gained the abolition of slavery, and the right to vote, it was still not universally applied and segregation, bigotry and prejudice were the norm.It contains some extraordinary writing; beautiful phrasing and eloquent descriptions. Although there are some examples of the so stereotypical characters of African descent, he also shows the intellectuals, the business men, the sports heros, the growing middle class, all with a burning desire to improve their lot.Having been written in the early 20th century, it contains language that would now been seen as lacking in respect or even offensive. There is a description of a conversation between a number of people which highlights many of the commonly held opinions of the time. There is also a short chapter describing the lynching of a young man, with highly graphic details of his death.This is a truly inspired piece of work and one that is most definitely worth reading; although it may require some parental guidance for younger or more immature people.