Chinua Achebe (1930- )

        Chinua Achebe(1930- ) was born in Ogidi, Nigeria. His parents taught him the traditional customs of the Igbo culture, though they were devout evangelical Protestants. In fact, Achebe was christened as Albert (after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband). Achebe attended the University of Ibadan, where he studied theology, English and history. At University he decided to take his native name, Chinua and abandon his English name, Albert. After graduating with a BA, Achebe travelled and became a teacher for a short time. In 1954, he joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Company and in the 1960's he became the director of External services in charge of the Voice of Nigeria. 
        Achebe’s first novel, Things Fall Apart first showed up in 1958. Two years later the sequal No Longer at Ease was published. Other novels of Achebe’s include Arrow of God (1964), Anthills of the Savannah (1987) and A Man of the People (1966). Along with novels, Achebe has written poems, a collection of short stories and many books for teen readers. His most famous collections of short stories include Morning Yet on Creation Day (1975), Hopes and Impediments (1988) and The Trouble with Nigeria (1983).
        Achebe is the recipient of the Honorary Fellowship of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. He has also recieved more than twenty honorary doctorates from universities around the world, including England, Scotland, Canada, the United States, and Nigeria. He has also recieved the Nigerian National Merit Award. Achebe and his wife live in New York and both teach at Bard College. They have four children together.