Wole Soyinka: Literature, Activism, and African Transformation

Wole Soyinka, a Nobel laureate and Nigerian writer, is the subject of this biography, which explores how his early years influenced his life's work and how his writing informs his political engagement. It covers his encounters with kleptocratic rule, international corporate corruption, the human condition of the North-South divide, and postcolonialism, and argues that Soyinka used writing to inform, mobilize, and incite civil action.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 312 pages
\n Publication date: 02 December 2021
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
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This comprehensive biography delves into the life and work of Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian writer, Nobel laureate, and social activist. Spanning three sections that explore his life, major texts, and place in history, the book connects Soyinka's legacy with global issues beyond the borders of his own country and indeed beyond the African continent. It sheds light on his encounters with the widespread rise of kleptocratic rule and international corporate corruption, his reflection on the human condition of the North-South divide, and the consequences of postcolonialism.

Through his writing, Soyinka has become a global figure whose life and works have sparked public conversation and established him as one of Africa's most successful and popular authors. Examining the diverse forms of Soyinka's work, including plays, novels, and memoirs, the book argues that he used writing as a tool for informing, mobilizing, and occasionally inciting civil action in his decades-long pursuit of literary social engineering.

The biography also delves into Soyinka's personal life, including his upbringing in Nigeria, his education at the University of Leeds, and his experiences as a political prisoner during the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha. It sheds light on his relationships with other prominent figures, such as Chinua Achebe, Margaret Thatcher, and Fidel Castro, and his role as a cultural ambassador for Nigeria.

Overall, this timely and expansive biography provides a deep understanding of Wole Soyinka's life and work, showcasing his profound influence on literature, politics, and society. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in African literature, global politics, and social justice.

\n Weight: 508g\n
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781501375750\n \n