Chinua Achebe is said to be one of the most influential writers of the century not only in Nigeria, his homeland but also throughout the world (Albany). Chinua Achebe was born in Ogidi, Nigeria on November 16, 1930. He was born a son of a Chrisitan Churchman, Isaiah Okafo and Janet N. Achebe. Achebe was raised an Ibo Christian, which made him stand out among his fellow peers. Achebes lifestyle was different than that of other people living in his village because of his religious background and upbringing. When Achebe was fourteen he began schooling at Government Albany College in Umuahia for three years. He then attended the University of Ibadan from 1948 through 1953. Following his education at the University of Ibandan Achebe earned his Bachelors Degree from London University in 1953. It was a year later when Achebe was named Talk Producer of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service. Then in 1956 Achebe began to study broadcasting at the British Broadcasting Corporation in London. (Critical Survey of Short Fiction) Finally in 1958, Achebes first novel, Things Fall Apart was published. (Albany) Following the completion of his first book, Achebe became the founding editor of Heinemanns African Writers Series. Since writing his first novel Achebe has won many awards and honors for his publications. Among these awards and honors are the Commonwealth Prize, and the highest award for intellectual achievement in his native country Nigeria. (Albany)Following the Nigerian civil war, Achebe was named Senior Research Fellow at the University of Nigeria. Presently he lives in Nsukka, Nigeria where he teaches, Achebe also spends a lot of time lecturing at major Universities. Achebe is married to Christie Chinue Okoli and has four children, Chinelo, Ikechukwu, Chidi and Nwando. (Albany)Achebes first novel Things Fall Apart is about a village called Umofia in Nigeria and the Ibo people who live there. The main character is a man named Okonkwo. Okonkwo ...
