Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa, one of Nigeria's most prolific writers, compels serious critical attention because of his innovative use of language, his utilization of the oral traditions of his culture, and his sensitive exploration of contemporary society. His creative output includes children's literature, poetry, drama, short stories, novels, essays, and autobiography. He has also developed his own brand of comedy for television, writing, directing, and producing one of the most popular sitcoms ever seen in Nigeria. Saro-Wiwa is known primarily as a social satirist who has a keen eye for human foibles.

Ken B. Saro-Wiwa was born on 10 October 1941 in Bori, a rural town in southeastern Nigeria, inhabited by the Ogoni people, one of the country's many ethnic minorities. He is the son of Chief J. B. Wiwa, a civil servant, and Widu Wiwa, a trader and farmer. He attended the Native Authority School in Bori between 1947 and 1954 before...