Things Fall Apart at 50 October 10-11, 2008 at the University of London Senate House, and the Brunei Gallery SOAS organised jointly by the Institute for English Studies, the Centre of African Studies, and the University of Kent
Design by Obiora Udechukwu*
The publication of Chinua Achebe's first novel, Things Fall Apart, in 1958 marked the beginning of a new era in African writing in English. It was an inspiration for writers and readers not only on the African continent but throughout the world. Fifty years later, and as part of a series of worldwide events instigated by the Achebe Foundation in New York, this conference seeks to revisit that novel and assess its significance then and now. Speakers will include those involved in publishing and republishing the novel, writers, readers, artists, and critics from Africa, Europe, the UK, and the United States. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Abdulrazak Gurnah are among the writers who have agreed to take part. The conference will culminate with a dialogue between Chinua Achebe and the eminent Princeton scholar Simon Gikandi. Link to BBC Four website with a profile and interview with Chinua Achebe.
Registration Fees: Before 22 September: £60 standard; £40 Members/Concessions After 22 september: £70 standard; £50 members/Concessions
CLICK HERE FOR THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
CLICK HERE FOR A REGISTRATION FORM IN word.doc FORMAT
CLICK HERE FOR A REGISTRATION FORM IN pdf FORMAT
We are very grateful to our sponsors:
The Booker Prize Foundation
The Arts Council England
The Open University
Penguin Classics
The University of Kent
Royal African Society
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
and Heinemann International:
Things Fall Apart is part of The African Writers Series Classics, which includes works by some of Africa 's most respected authors, is drawn from Heinemann's existing African Writers Series range and features new cover designs and a new introduction by leading academics for each title. You can find out more by visiting our website www.africanwriters.com.

*A note on the design:
The design explores the idea of an old, slightly eroded door on which is a symbol of the tortoise - a recurrent character in folktales - taken from akwete cloth. The chip carved door, which is seen in some walled com pounds in Igboland, is an interface between the public and private domains. It admits one into the home behind the high walls and at the same time signifies achievement and leadership. The patterns on the door are usually linear and geometrical. In the present design, the diamond shape is the shell of the tortoise but it also stands for the number four, which signifies com pleteness - the four directions, the four days and four markets.
-- Obiora Udechukwu

Accommodation
PLEASE NOTE: accommodation cannot be booked through the Institute of English Studies. Because the conference takes place within term time there is little or no availability in the University of London halls of residence (although some suites are available at International Hall). Please check the accommodation link to the left of the top of this page for local hotel options. The Tavistock Hotel is one of the most economical places to stay in the area. The website Hotels Combined searches for the best deal and also appears to offer a discount for academics and students.

For general enquiries and registration please contact Jon Millington, Events Officer, Institute of English Studies, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU; tel +44 (0)207 664 4859;
Email jon.millington@sas.ac.uk

For further information please contact Professor Lyn Innes.