Tutuola, Amos (Vol. 14) - Introduction

Tutuola, Amos 1920–

Tutuola is a Nigerian novelist and short story writer best known for his first book, The Palm-Wine Drinkard. This novel, considered his best, is noted for its epic theme, vernacular prose, and use of myth, fairy tale, and the extravagant exaggeration characteristic of the tall story. Although Tutuola is a highly imaginative, original writer, his subsequent works have met with a cool critical reception. (See also CLC, Vol. 5, and Contemporary Authors, Vols. 9-12, rev. ed.)