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Cover of The Palm-Wine Drinkard
Classic Literature· Nigeria

The Palm-Wine Drinkard

by Amos Tutuola
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1952English
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About This Book

Few works of classic literature have earned the sustained critical attention that The Palm-Wine Drinkard (1952) by Amos Tutuola continues to receive. The Palm-Wine Drinkard is a pioneering work of African literature that blends Yoruba folklore with a unique narrative style. It tells the story of a man who embarks on a fantastical journey to bring back his deceased palm-wine tapster from the land of the dead. The novel is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and its role in introducing African oral traditions to a global audience. Themes of folklore, mythology, adventure run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorAmos Tutuola
Published1952
Country of Origin🇳🇬 Nigeria
LanguageEnglish
Category🏛️ Classic Literature
ISBN9780571311552
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🏛️ Classic Literature

Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.

Explore all Classic Literature books →
Country of Origin

🇳🇬 Nigeria

This book is part of Nigeria's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Amos Tutuola published The Palm-Wine Drinkard in 1952, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of classic literature from Nigeria. The book's treatment of folklore, mythology, adventure, life and death accounts for much of its enduring reputation. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. What distinguishes The Palm-Wine Drinkard is how it handles its central concerns — folklore, mythology, adventure, life and death — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Amos Tutuola's role in the literature of Nigeria is well established. The Palm-Wine Drinkard can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20020
✍️
About the Author
Amos Tutuola
Nigeria
View Author →

Amos Tutuola is a Nigeria author whose work in classic literature has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Palm-Wine Drinkard about?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard is a pioneering work of African literature that blends Yoruba folklore with a unique narrative style. It tells the story of a man who embarks on a fantastical journey to bring back his deceased palm-wine tapster from the land of the dead. The novel is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and its role in introducing African oral traditions to a global audience.

Who wrote The Palm-Wine Drinkard?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard was written by Amos Tutuola, from Nigeria. First published in 1952.

What awards has The Palm-Wine Drinkard won?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Palm-Wine Drinkard worth reading?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in folklore, mythology, adventure.

Where can I buy The Palm-Wine Drinkard?

You can buy The Palm-Wine Drinkard on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Palm-Wine Drinkard?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard is classified as Classic Literature. Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.

What country is The Palm-Wine Drinkard from?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard originates from Nigeria's literary tradition. Explore more books from Nigeria on our country page.

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