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Death and the King's Horseman
Series: Modern Classics
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 5,460 ratings, 415 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This powerful and evocative play will resonate with readers interested in arts and culture, especially those drawn to traditional African narratives, colonial history, and classic tragedy.
Based on the real events that took place in the ancient Yoruba city of Nigeria in 1946, this play tells how Simon Pilkings, a district officer, intervenes to prevent the ritual suicide demanded by the death of the King. There follow drastic repercussions in both indigenous and colonial communities.
Based on the real events that took place in the ancient Yoruba city of Nigeria in 1946, this play tells how Simon Pilkings, a district officer, intervenes to prevent the ritual suicide demanded by the death of the King. There follow drastic repercussions in both indigenous and colonial communities.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
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Description
A masterpiece of 20th century drama. - The Guardian
Death and the King's Horseman centres around Elesin Oba, the King's Horseman, who has a single destiny. When the King dies, he must commit ritual suicide and lead his King's favourite horse and dog through the passage to the world of the ancestors. A British Colonial Officer, Pilkings, intervenes to prevent the death and arrests Elesin.
Series: Modern Classics
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Guardian hails it as "a masterpiece of 20th century drama." Critics highlight its blend of folk comedy and Greek tragedy, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and the clash between Yoruba culture and colonial law. Reviewer Michael Billington praises its philosophical and political depth, while Ian Shuttleworth and John Peter laud its tragic power and moral complexity, comparing Soyinka's work to that of Shakespeare.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780413333605
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 October 1975
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Methuen Drama
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 6.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 118g
Pages: 96
Collections
About the Author
Wole Soyinka - playwright, novelist, poet and polemical essayist - was born in Nigeria in 1934. Educated there and at Leeds University, he worked in the British theatre before returning to West Africa in 1960. In 1986 he became the first African writer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.
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