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Chinua Achebe

born at Ogidi, Nigeria, November 13, 1930

Chinua Achebe, the first of the writers to arrive, gave multiple presentations on the University of Washington campus from April 5-6, 1973. His novel "Things Fall Apart" was frequently included in the syllabus of University classes, making his visit especially popular. He often said that the introduction given by Professor Simon Ottenberg for his public lecture was the best he ever received. (That introduction can be viewed in the copy of "In Person: Achebe, Woonor, Soyinka" contained in this Collection.) In 1976 Karen Morell interviewed Achebe in Massachusettts, where he was teaching; at that time he gave her copies of two presentations for her use and to share. The interview and these documents are included here.

Featured Poems

Refuge Mother and Child

Studio recording of Chinua Achebe reading this poem. (African Studies 1973 Lecture Series)
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Non-Commitments

Studio recording of Chinua Achebe reading this poem. (African Studies 1973 Lecture Series)
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Their Idiot Song

Studio recording of Chinua Achebe reading this poem. (African Studies 1973 Lecture Series)
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