Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart has been recognised as one of the 50 Most Influential Books of All Time by the Open Education Data Base (OEDB). This prestigious acknowledgment places Achebe’s seminal work at the 27th position, making it the sole African-authored book on the list.
Published in 1958, Things Fall Apart has long been celebrated for its powerful narrative exploring the clash between traditional Igbo culture and Western colonialism. The OEDB lauded the novel for giving “voice to the oppressed people in Africa” and capturing global attention with its themes of cultural preservation in the face of Western dominance.
The impact of Achebe’s work is undeniable, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide and translations into more than 50 languages. It continues to be widely read and studied as a critique of colonialism’s destructive effects on African societies.
Achebe, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 82, left an indelible mark on African literature. Things Fall Apart was just the beginning of his illustrious career, followed by other acclaimed works such as No Longer at Ease (1960) and Arrow of God (1964), among others.
The OEDB’s list spans four categories: Politics and Government, Literature, Science, Math and Geography, and Religion. It features iconic works like Plato’s The Republic, Shakespeare’s complete works, and religious texts such as the Bible and the Qur’an.
This recognition not only cements Achebe’s place among the world’s literary giants but also highlights the enduring relevance of African literature on the global stage. As the world continues to grapple with issues of cultural identity and post-colonial legacies, Things Fall Apart remains a beacon of insight and understanding, bridging diverse cultures through the power of storytelling.
The inclusion of Achebe’s work in this prestigious list serves as a reminder of literature’s capacity to shape perspectives, challenge norms and contribute to the evolution of human thought across generations and continents.
