Ely: An Autobiography

by Ely Green

Ely Green was born in Sewanee, Tennessee, in 1893. His father was a member of the white gentry, the son of a former Confederate officer. His mother was a housemaid, the daughter of a former slave. In this small episcopal community--home to the University of the South--Ely lived his early childhood oblivious to the implications of his illegitimacy and his parentage. He was nearly nine years old before he realized that being different from his white playmates was of any real significance.

246 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1990

Reviews

[Sarah Gehres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was assigned reading for the Find Your Place program at Sewanee: The University of the South. I thoroughly enjoyed this Green's writing, story telling, and life story. This autobiography offers a first-hand account of Sewanee, TN at the start of the 20th century and a unique perspective into what life was like at this time in Sewanee.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about race relations in the Deep South at the end to the 19th-century and the beginning of the 20th-century. Ely is a biracial boy who grew up in the small college town of Sewanee, Tennessee. I highly recommend this fascinating book. YSR!

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yea, Sewanee's Right!

[Libby Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ely Green’s story was insightful and occasionally entertaining. Although, despite appreciating his lack of education, the grammar was all over the place and an irritating addition to the book.
Overall, an easy and congenial read.

[Tracy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book many years ago in my local library in Waxahachie, Texas. My interest in the book stemmed from learning that Mr. Green had spent time in my hometown and I wanted to learn of his experiences. Overall, this was a great story, heart-breaking, but still amazing. One that I have always wanted to add to my personal library as inspiration for my own writing. Highly recommended.