"James Weldon Johnson's landmark novel is an emotionally gripping and poignant look into race relations. The protagonist, a half-white half-black man of very light complection, known only as an ex-colored man, makes a choice between his heritage and the art that he loves and the ability to escape the inherent racism that he faces by passing as white. Because of his knowledge of both cultures he is able to give us startling revaluations into both cultures. "--Cover.