Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and essayist, widely regarded as the father of modern African literature. Achebe's works often explore the impact of colonialism and the clash of cultures in Africa. His best-known novel, "Things Fall Apart," has been translated into over 50 languages and remains a classic of African literature. Achebe was also a prominent advocate for African literature and served as a professor of literature at various universities throughout his career. He was awarded numerous literary awards and honors, including the Man Booker International Prize in 2007.