Ready Reference Treatise: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

Overview

“The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man” by James Weldon Johnson was first published anonymously in 1912 by Sherman, French, and Company in New York.

The story revolves around a young biracial man, called “Ex-Colored Man” in the book. He happens to be living in post Reconstruction period in America in the late 19th and early 20th Century.

He had only two options, either of which he was compelled to choose: to embrace his black heritage and culture, or to live obscurely as a middle class white man.

Johnson wrote this book anonymously because there was a danger that his diplomatic carrier would be damaged if he signed his name.

Ready Reference Treatise: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Chapter Five: Critical Analysis