Books

First edition, first impression, review copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title, "Cypian Ekwensi, To a comrade in arms with my very best wishes". This title, rare inscribed, is the Nigerian novelist's debut book. It appeared four years before Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, and is one of the earliest Nigerian works to gain international acclaim. Cyprian Ekwensi (1921-2007) wrote hundreds of short stories, radio and television scripts, and several dozen novels, including children's books. Having attended college in Ghana and studied pharmacy at London, he worked as a forestry officer, pharmacist, teacher, and as Head of Features at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) until the mid-1960s. In 1968, he received the Dag Hammarskjöld International Prize in Literature, was made an MFR in 2001, and in 2006, he became a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. Len Kenyon, the dust jacket designer, was a professional artist, perhaps better known as the forger of documents for the March 1944 "Great Escape" from the German prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III. He was immortalized in the 1963 film The Great Escape, where he was played by Donald Pleasance, although creative liberties were taken with his character. His eyesight was not an issue in real life, and did not determine whether or not he went down the tunnel. This was decided by drawing lots: he drew too high a number, and his life was consequently saved. Octavo. Original reddish-brown boards, spine lettered in gilt. With Ley Kenyon dust jacket. Loosely inserted is a London public transport ticket. Review stamp to front free endpaper, giving date of publication as 11 October 1954. Head of spine a little bumped and darkened, one corner worn, edges foxed, a few gatherings slightly creased, not affecting text. A very good copy indeed, clean and square, in the rubbed jacket, loss to head of spine panel and top corners, tape repairs to verso, a little foxed and browned, rear panel soiled, offsetting to front flap, front panel bright.