Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and essayist and is widely regarded as one of the most important African writers of the 20th century. Achebe is best known for his debut novel, Things Fall Apart, which is considered a classic of African literature and has been translated into over 50 languages.

Achebe was born in Ogidi, Nigeria, and grew up in a Christian household, which had a significant impact on his writing. He studied English literature and worked as a teacher before becoming a writer. In his writing, Achebe explores the complexities of Nigerian society and the impact of colonialism on African culture. He was a vocal critic of the way Africa was represented in Western literature, and his work challenges stereotypes and provides a more nuanced understanding of African culture. Achebe’s work also focuses on the tension between tradition and modernity in African society and the challenges faced by African people in the face of political and social change. His writing often deals with themes of identity, power, masculinity, and the struggle for self-determination.

Throughout his career, Achebe was also involved in politics, and he was a strong advocate for social justice and democracy in Nigeria. When the Igbo people sought independence during the Nigerian Civil War, he joined the Biafran government and served as an ambassador in Europe.