Go Tell It on the Mountain is an autobiographical novel by James Baldwin that was first published 1953. Set in the Harlem of Baldwin’s youth and concerns the religious salvation of a young man, John Grimes, and his problematic relationship with his stepfather. The novel was nominated for a National Book Award and brought Baldwin into the forefront of American literature.

Characters

See a complete list of the characters in Go Tell It on the Mountain.

Deeper Study

Go further in your study of Go Tell It on the Mountain with background information about James Baldwin and the novel as well as mini essays about John’s relationship with Gabriel, the characters’ differing views on prayer, and John’s feelings about white people compared to those of Gabriel and Richard.