1956: The Tribe that Lost Its Head, by Nicholas Montsarrat, Fourth Printing

The Tribe that Lost Its Head by Nicholas Montsarrat is a novel that explores the conflict between colonialism and traditional ways of life in Africa. The story takes place in the fictional African country of Northlandia, where a tribe called the Wariri is facing the threat of losing their land to a British mining company. The novel follows the story of John Denson, a British administrator who is sent to Northlandia to negotiate with the Wariri and convince them to sell their land. However, Denson soon realizes that the Wariri are not willing to give up their land and their way of life without a fight. As tensions rise between the British and the Wariri, Denson must navigate a complex web of cultural differences, political intrigue, and personal relationships to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Montsarrat’s novel is a powerful commentary on the destructive impact of colonialism on traditional societies and the struggle for independence that characterized many African countries in the mid-twentieth century. Through vivid descriptions of the Wariri’s customs and beliefs, Montsarrat shows the reader the richness and complexity of African cultures that were often overlooked or dismissed by colonial powers.