Offering an insight into African culture that had not been portrayed before, Things Fall Apart is the tragic story of an individual set in the wider context of colonialism, as well as a powerful and complex political statement of cross-cultural encounters.

This guide offers an accessible introduction to the text and contexts of Things Fall Apart, surveying the many interpretations of the text from publication to the present and the critical material that surrounds it.

Dr David Whittaker is a Lecturer at Birkbeck College, University of London. His research interests are in the areas of Nigerian and African literature and in the field of postcolonial studies and he has published a number of articles in journals and anthologies.

Dr Mpalive-Hangson Msiska is a Senior Lecturer in English and Humanities at Birkbeck College, University of London. He has published many books, journal articles and conference papers on postcolonial literature, critical and cultural theory and identity.

Introduction 1. Texts and Contexts 2. Critical History 3. Critical Readings 4. Further Reading and Web Resources Notes on Contributors Bibliography Index