Born in 1930, Nigerian novelist and poet Chinua Achebe is probably black Africa's most widely read novelist. His first work, THINGS FALL APART, is regarded as a classic of world literature and has been translated into 40 languages.

In 1966 Nigeria suffered ethnic violence, and in 1967 civil war broke out, with the Ibos of the eastern region attempting to establish an independent Republic of Biafra. During the three-year struggle Achebe sought to publicise the plight of his people. His collection of poems about the war, BEWARE, SOUL BROTHER, was published in 1971.

In 1971 he became founding editor of Okike, one of Africa's most influential literary magazines, which he edited in the United States from 1972, having accepted the post of Professor of English at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Returning to Nigeria in 1976 Achebe became Professor of English at the University. In 1984 he began work again on a novel which he had started in the 1970s but discontinued because it "seemed like a frivolous thing to be doing" in those troubled times. This eagerly awaited work, titled ANTHILLS OF THE SAVANNAH, was published in 1987, and described the failure of contemporary African politicians and intellectuals. It was short-listed for the Booker Prize of that year.

Chinua Achebe has received more than twenty honorary doctorates and several international literary prizes, including the 2007 Man Booker International Prize. He is a member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.

Okonowo is the greatest warrior alive. His fame has spread like a bushfire in West Africa and he is one of the most powerful men of his clan. But he also has a fiery temper.

Determined not to be like his father, he refuses to show weakness to anyone - even if the only way he can master his feelings is with his fists. When outsiders threaten the traditions of his clan, Okonowo takes violent action. Will the great man's dangerous pride eventually destroy him?