A Man of the People

by Chinua Achebe

Published January 1966
As Minister for Culture, the Honourable M. A. Nanga is 'a man of the people', as cynical as he is charming, and a roguish opportunist. At first, the contrast between Nanga and Odili, a former pupil who is visiting the ministry, appears huge. But in the 'eat-and-let-eat' atmosphere, Odili's idealism soon collides with his lusts - and the two men's personal and political tauntings threaten to send their country into chaos. Published, prophetically, just days before Nigeria's first attempted coup in 1966, A Man of the People is an essential part of his body of work dealing with modern African history.

Anthills of the Savannah

by Chinua Achebe

Published 21 September 1987
Chris, Ikem and Beatrice are like-minded friends working under the military regime of His Excellency, the Sandhurst-educated President of Kangan. In the pressurized atmosphere of oppression and intimidation they are simply trying to live and love - and remain friends. But in a world where each day brings a new betrayal, hope is hard to cling on to. Anthills of the Savannah (1987), Achebe's candid vision of contemporary African politics, is a powerful fusion of angry voices. It continues the journey that Achebe began with his earlier novels, tracing the history of modern Africa through colonialism and beyond, and is a work ultimately filled with hope.

The Trouble with Nigeria

by Chinua Achebe

Published 30 April 1984
This novel about Nigeria prophesied the 1983 coup.

Capturing the diversity of African writing from across the continent, this important anthology draws together well-established authors and the best of new writers. From the harsh realities of South Africa, elegantly described by Nobel Prize winner Nadine Gordimer, to the fantastic world of Booker Prize winner Ben Okri and from the magic realism of Mozambican Mia Couto to the surreal world of Ghanaian Kojo Laing, the editors have distilled the essence of contemporary African writing. Blending the supernatural and the secular, the market-place and the shrine, this anthology gives the reader a taste of the full range of African literary styles.

Arrow of God

by Chinua Achebe

Published December 1966
Ezeulu, the chief priest of Ulu, has rivals in the tribe, in the white government and even in his own family. Surrounded by trouble, he adopts an increasingly cosmic view of events - surely in the battle of the dieties, he is merely an arrow in the bow of his God?

The classic of African literature by Nigerian Chinua Achebe was originally published in 1962 and is now translated into 32 different languages, and has sold more than 8 million copies. Expanded edition with notes.