A Man of the People

A Man of the People

First US edition
Author	Chinua Achebe
Country	United States
Language	English
Publisher	Heinemann(UK) John Day (US)
Publication date	1966
Media type	Print (hardback)
Pages	167
Preceded by	Arrow of God
Followed by	Anthills of the Savannah

A Man of the People is a novel by Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe. Written as a satirical piece, "A Man of the People" follows the story told by Odili, a young and educated narrator, about his conflict with Chief Nanga, his former teacher who enters a career in politics in an unnamed fictional 20th-century African country. Odili represents the changing younger generation, while Nanga represents the traditional West African customs inspired by Achebe's native Nigeria. The book ends with a military coup, similar to the real-life coup organized by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, Major Adewale Ademoyega , Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Captain Chris Anuforo, Major Donatus Okafor, and Major Humphrey Chukwuka.