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Wole Soyinka

Wole Soyinka

Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka is a Nigerian writer, playwright, and poet. He has written three novels, ten collections of short stories, seven poetry collections, twenty-five plays and five memoirs. He also wrote two translated works and many articles and short stories for many newspapers and periodicals. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature for his "wide cultural perspective and poetic overtones fashioning the drama of existence".

Complete Bibliography

Follow the recommended order to not miss a thing.

Standalone Works

32 Books
Forest of a thousand demons.
1950

Forest of a thousand demons.

You are invited into the rich tapestry of Yoruba mythology and folklore. Follow Akara-ogun, a hunter who ventures into a mystical forest filled with spirits, gods, and perilous challenges. You will witness his encounters with the supernatural and his quest for knowledge and power within this vibrant world.

1950
The Swamp Dwellers
1958

The Swamp Dwellers

You are transported to a village grappling with the challenges of tradition versus modernity in a unique setting. Observe the lives of characters navigating their beliefs and the changing world around them. This narrative explores themes of faith, disillusionment, and communal life.

1958
A tale of two cities
1958

A tale of two cities

Wole Soyinka's "A tale of two cities" is a novel published in 1958. You will encounter a narrative from a distinguished author. Consider the themes and perspectives presented in this work.

1958
A Dance of the Forests
1963

A Dance of the Forests

You are invited to a gathering where the past and present intertwine, revealing the complex heritage of a community. Wole Soyinka presents a narrative rich with symbolic encounters and historical echoes. You will observe the interplay between human actions and ancestral influences.

1963
The Strong Breed
1963

The Strong Breed

In Wole Soyinka's 1963 novel, "The Strong Breed", you are introduced to a powerful narrative exploring themes of sacrifice and tradition. The story delves into the weight of inherited responsibilities within a community. You will witness a compelling drama that questions the nature of duty and destiny.

1963
The Trials of Brother Jero
1964

The Trials of Brother Jero

Explore 'The Trials of Brother Jero,' a novel by Wole Soyinka, published in 1964. This work offers you a window into the author's cultural insights and narrative voice. You can discover a story that reflects on human nature and societal dynamics.

1964
Jero's Metamorphosis
1966

Jero's Metamorphosis

You can engage with "Jero's Metamorphosis," a novel by Wole Soyinka. Published in 1966, this work presents a narrative from the acclaimed author. Delve into a story that explores transformation and change.

1966
Idanre and other poems
1968

Idanre and other poems

Wole Soyinka's 'Idanre and other poems,' classified as a novel from 1968, invites you to engage with its lyrical content. You will encounter a work where poetic expressions are central to its narrative form. This book offers a distinctive literary experience, blending poetry within a novelistic structure.

1968
Poems of Prison
1969

Poems of Prison

You are invited to experience "Poems of Prison," a novel by Wole Soyinka. This work explores themes suggested by its title, inviting you to reflect on confinement and expression. Prepare for a narrative that delves into the human spirit under unique circumstances.

1969
The Man Died: Prison Notes
1969

The Man Died: Prison Notes

You are offered "The Man Died: Prison Notes," a novel by Wole Soyinka, published in 1969. This work, from a distinguished author, presents a narrative that, despite its title, is categorized as a novel. You can anticipate a powerful and reflective story exploring significant themes within a fictional context.

1969
The Man Died
1972

The Man Died

You consider a novel by Wole Soyinka, released in 1972. This work stands as a singular literary contribution from the author. Engage with a narrative that reflects the year of its publication.

1972
Shuttle in the crypt
1972

Shuttle in the crypt

Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka is a Nigerian writer, playwright, and poet. He has written three novels, ten collections of short stories, seven poetry collections, twenty-five plays and five memoirs. He also wrote two translated works and many articles and short stories for many newspapers and periodicals.

1972
Aké: The Years of Childhood
1981

Aké: The Years of Childhood

Explore the formative years in Wole Soyinka's 1981 novel, "Aké: The Years of Childhood." You will experience a vivid account of growing up in a specific cultural and historical context. Discover the world through the eyes of a young protagonist.

1981
Six plays
1984

Six plays

You will encounter "Six plays," a novel by Wole Soyinka published in 1984. This single volume offers a narrative experience crafted by the author. Prepare to engage with the story as it unfolds within its pages.

1984
From Zia with Love
1992

From Zia with Love

You are examining "From Zia with Love," a novel by Wole Soyinka. This work, released in 1992, offers a narrative from the author. It represents a piece of his literary output.

1992
Death and the King's Horseman
1993

Death and the King's Horseman

You will engage with a novel by Wole Soyinka, a distinguished voice in literature. This work presents a narrative from an author known for his profound explorations. You are invited to experience a story crafted with significant cultural and thematic depth.

1993
Ikú olókùn-Ẹṣin
1994

Ikú olókùn-Ẹṣin

You are immersed in a narrative rooted in rich cultural traditions and mythologies. This story explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the interplay between the human and spiritual worlds. You will witness characters grappling with profound choices and their consequences.

1994
The beautification of area boys
1995

The beautification of area boys

You will engage with a novel by Wole Soyinka, offering a perspective on societal dynamics and individual experiences. Explore a narrative that delves into the complexities of urban life and human transformation. This book invites you to reflect on themes of identity and change within a specific cultural context.

1995
Early poems
1998

Early poems

You are invited to delve into 'Early poems', a novel by Wole Soyinka from 1998. This work offers you an exploration of Soyinka's narrative. Discover the unique world and characters presented within its pages.

1998
The Blackman and the Veil
2001

The Blackman and the Veil

Wole Soyinka presents "The Blackman and the Veil," a novel that offers a significant literary exploration. You will engage with a narrative from this prominent author. Prepare to consider the perspectives and insights presented in this work.

2001
Climate of Fear
2005

Climate of Fear

Discover 'Climate of Fear,' a novel authored by Wole Soyinka. This work, released in 2005, provides you with a literary experience from a distinguished writer. You are presented with a story that emerged in the mid-2000s.

2005
You Must Set Forth at Dawn
2006

You Must Set Forth at Dawn

You are presented with a novel by Wole Soyinka, released in 2006. This work invites you into its narrative world, crafted by an author of significant literary standing. Discover the story that unfolds through his unique perspective.

2006
Forest of Olodumare
2010

Forest of Olodumare

Explore "Forest of Olodumare," a novel by Wole Soyinka, published in 2010. This work invites you to experience a distinct narrative landscape. You will encounter the author's vision within its story.

2010
Harmattan Haze on African Spring
2011

Harmattan Haze on African Spring

Explore 'Harmattan Haze on African Spring' by Wole Soyinka, a novel from 2011. This work presents a specific narrative from the author. You will delve into a story shaped by his distinctive literary voice. Discover this unique contribution to his body of work.

2011
Africa39: New Writing from Africa South of the Sahara
2014

Africa39: New Writing from Africa South of the Sahara

Explore "Africa39: New Writing from Africa South of the Sahara," a novel by Wole Soyinka. This collection brings you diverse voices curated by a distinguished author. You are invited to discover new perspectives within this unique compilation.

2014
Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth
2021

Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth

Discover "Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth," a 2021 novel by Wole Soyinka. This work invites you to experience a narrative rich with cultural insights. You will explore a fictional world that reflects the author's unique perspective.

2021
The Lion and the Jewel
#1967

The Lion and the Jewel

You are immersed in a vibrant village where tradition clashes with modernity in a compelling love triangle. This narrative explores the complexities of identity and choice within a changing society. Witness a spirited young woman navigate the advances of two very different suitors, each representing a distinct path.

1967
Season of Anomy
#1973

Season of Anomy

Delve into "Season of Anomy," a novel by Wole Soyinka published in 1973. This work is an installment in the 'African Writers Series,' offering a specific cultural and literary context. You are invited to explore a narrative that contributes to this significant collection. Discover the story presented within its pages.

1973