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'Things Fall Apart' turns 50

The odds are that this title appeared on the "required texts" list of at least one of your college-course syllabi and likely appeared on several in a variety of disciplines.

But don't worry if you didn't read it then – here's your second chance. Anchor Books will publish a 50th anniversary edition on Feb. 12 to celebrate Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, and the book's longstanding social importance.

The novel is set in the 1890s and tells the story of Okonkwo, a strong man from a tribal Ibo village in Nigeria. It traces his downfall as Western influence infiltrates in the shape of British missionaries and a shattering clash of cultures follows.

Read entire article at Newsday