Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of The Palm-Wine Drinkard
Classic Literature· Nigeria

The Palm-Wine Drinkard

by Amos Tutuola
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1952English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Amos Tutuola's The Palm-Wine Drinkard (1952) stands as one of the most significant works of classic literature of its era. The Palm-Wine Drinkard is a pioneering work of African literature that blends Yoruba folklore with a unique narrative style. It tells the story of a man who embarks on a fantastical journey to bring back his deceased palm-wine tapster from the land of the dead. The novel is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and its role in introducing African oral traditions to a global audience. Themes of folklore, mythology, adventure run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorAmos Tutuola
Published1952
Country of Origin🇳🇬 Nigeria
LanguageEnglish
Category🏛️ Classic Literature
ISBN9780571311552
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🏛️ Classic Literature

Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.

Explore all Classic Literature books →
Country of Origin

🇳🇬 Nigeria

This book is part of Nigeria's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Nigeria →

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20020
✍️
About the Author
Amos Tutuola
Nigeria
View Author →
The Tribe Manager
The Leadership Companion
The Tribe Manager
Leading People the Way Evolution Intended
Manage with human nature, you get loyalty. Manage against it, you get quiet quitting.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of The Remains of the Day
literary-fiction

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro· 1989
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Tin Drum
literary-fiction

The Tin Drum

Günter Grass· 1999
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score98/100
Cover of Celestial Bodies
literary-fiction

Celestial Bodies

Jokha Alharthi· 2010
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score93/100
Cover of The Grapes of Wrath
literary-fiction

The Grapes of Wrath

John Steinbeck· 1962
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score90/100
Cover of Beloved
literary-fiction

Beloved

Toni Morrison· 1993
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score85/100
Cover of The Green House
literary-fiction

The Green House

Mario Vargas Llosa· 1966
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score84/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Palm-Wine Drinkard about?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard is a pioneering work of African literature that blends Yoruba folklore with a unique narrative style. It tells the story of a man who embarks on a fantastical journey to bring back his deceased palm-wine tapster from the land of the dead. The novel is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and its role in introducing African oral traditions to a global audience.

Who wrote The Palm-Wine Drinkard?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard was written by Amos Tutuola, from Nigeria. First published in 1952.

What awards has The Palm-Wine Drinkard won?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Palm-Wine Drinkard worth reading?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in folklore, mythology, adventure.

Where can I buy The Palm-Wine Drinkard?

You can buy The Palm-Wine Drinkard on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Palm-Wine Drinkard?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard is classified as Classic Literature. Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.

What country is The Palm-Wine Drinkard from?

The Palm-Wine Drinkard originates from Nigeria's literary tradition. Explore more books from Nigeria on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

🏛️More Classic LiteratureBrowse all Classic Literature books🇳🇬Books from Nigeria🇳🇬 Nigeria literature📅1950s BooksPublished in the 1950s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time