The achievements of the novelist Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe was a highly respected author from Nigeria, whom most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, have probably heard of. Although Achebe's novels are written mainly for those living in Africa, they have, over the decades, been translated into over forty languages.

Over the course of his lifetime, he published a large collection of essays, short stories, novels, poetry and children's books, and won many awards for his work, including the New Statesman-Jock Campbell Award for 'Arrow of God', and the Commonwealth Poetry Prize for the poetry volume, 'Christmas in Biafra'. In 2007, he received one of the world's most prestigious awards, the Man Booker Prize. In addition to these, Achebe was also the recipient of over twenty honorary doctorates.

Born in Ogidi in 1930, Achebe's family were members of the Igbo tribe. However, Achebe was raised as a Christian, although he always retained an interest in the more traditional faiths of his homeland. He was a talented and intelligent young man, and did well in his studies, graduating from the University College at Ibadan at the age of 24. He published his first book, entitled 'Things Fall Apart', four years later; based on the clash between the Western culture of the missionaries, and that of native Africans, the novel was enormously successful, and has since been included on many school's required reading lists.

During the sixties, Achebe wrote prolifically, publishing a total of three novels between 1960 and 1960. Named 'A Man of the People', 'Arrow of God' and 'No Longer at Ease', each of the books dealt with the issue of colonial perspectives coming into conflict with traditional ways of life in Africa.

Whilst he was known primarily for his writing, Achebe was also a teacher. For four years in the seventies, and one year in the eighties, Achebe served an English professor at the University of Massachusetts. In addition to this, he spent one year working at the University of Connecticut. His longest period of teaching took place at Bard College, located just outside of New York City. He lectured here for more than 15 years, before leaving to becoming a faculty member of Brown University. He passed away four years later, at the age of 82.

Folawiyo takes a keen interest in the accomplishments of influential figures like Achebe. However, this is just one of his many interests; to learn more about his areas of expertise, follow Tunde Folawiyo projects online.

Tunde Folawiyo | The Famed Works of Novelist Chinua Achebe

The continent of Africa is home to a wide array of stunning landscapes, majestic wildlife and a range of vibrant cultures. Throughout the centuries, Africa has housed a number of inspirational figures who’ve collectively helped shape the state of the continent today. From respected political figures to famed artists and athletes of magnificent talent, these individuals are forever cemented in African history for their contributions to the advancement of Africa as a whole. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the world may find the literary works of novelist Chinua Achebe to be amongst the most significant today.

Born November 16, 1930, in the Nigerian town of Ogidi, Albert Chinualumogu Achebe received his education from University of Ibadan before being appointed director of external broadcasting at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, a position he held until 1966. During this time, Achebe’s first novel, Things Fall Apart was published, becoming widely-acclaimed throughout the continent before later garnering international success. A thrilling accomplishment for the author, the book has over the years become a required read for millions of students throughout the globe.

With the 1960s came a period of brilliant creativity for Achebe. Some of his most celebrated works came during this time, with novels like No Longer at Ease, A Man of the People and Arrow of God amongst them. These works addressed a conflict between traditional African ways of life and new, colonial ways of thinking, a theme that was later explored in his Anthills of the Savannah.

The 1970s saw great success for Achebe. He published a variety of short stories, poetry collections and a children’s book throughout the decade, with his first book of essay’s released in 1975. Upon his return to Nigeria from the US, Achebe became employed as a research fellow before later becoming an English professor at University of Nigeria from 1976 to 81. During this time, Achebe served as a director for two Nigerian publishing companies, Nwankwo-Ifejika Ltd. and Heinemann Educational Books Ltd.

After suffering a car accident that would render him paralyzed, Achebe moved to the US. He began teaching at Bard College where he would remain for 15 years. During 2009, Achebe he departed Bard to join Brown University’s faculty as a professor of African studies. Throughout his career, Achebe received many renowned awards and several honourary degrees from over 30 universities across the globe, demonstrating the vast cultural significance of his works. Citizens of Africa such as Tunde Folawiyo and many other lovers of literature throughout the world may continue to be inspired Achebe’s life and legacy.