Go Tell It on the Mountain

Go Tell It on the Mountain
James Baldwin
Knopf, 1953
First edition
Southern Civilization Collection
Vanderbilt University Special Collections

Go Tell It on the Mountain is a semi-autobiographical work exploring the complexities of African American identity, religious faith, and personal struggle. Baldwin’s complex narrative structure uses multiple perspectives and flashbacks to add depth to the story’s characters, making the novel a literary masterpiece.  The novel examines the role of the Black church in African American communities and notes the ways religious institutions can both uplift and oppress individuals.   The novel is a cornerstone of African American literature and has influenced generations of writers and scholars.