VICTOR THORPE - inimitable story teller

Victor Thorpe wrote and published a series of brilliant, well-plotted African thrillers. The inherent, spontaneous humour running through these works always stands out, almost undermining the sophisticated language, and polished erudition embedded in these enduring novels. Thorpe's books include The Worshippers, The Instrument, and Stone of Vengeance.

Here is a biography of this most intriguing writer:

Thorpe was in Calabar, Nigeria, in 1919. After completing his secondary education, he served in the Army as a signaler, clerical officer, method instructor and physical training instructor. He joined the British Council in Ibadan in 1948 and worked as a library assistance and clerk before being promoted to Administrative Assistant. He retired in 1975 and was recalled in 1977 to serve as Acting Librarian. He was the Nigerian Chairman of the Society of Metaphysicians, leader of the Efik community in Ibadan and President of the Calabar Welfare Association. He died in 1994.

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