Collection inventory

Overview of the Collection
Title:	African Market Literature Collection
Inclusive Dates:	1960-1974
Quantity:	1 linear ft.
Abstract:	Examples of popular literature sold in local markets in Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana
Language:	English
Repository:	Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries 222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600 Syracuse, NY 13244-2010 https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives

Biographical History

"Market literature" refers to a type of popular reading material which was published in inexpensive pamphlets and booklets and sold in local markets. It was particularly prevalent in areas of the Global South, including Latin America and Africa. Market literature frequently documents folklore, popular culture, and social and political issues of the time.

Numerous publishers of these items were based in the market town of Onitsha in eastern Nigeria, hence it is commonly known as Onitsha market literature. Popular genres included romances, tales and stories, poetry, biographies, and advice, both practical and moral. Onitsha market literature is an important secondary source of information about daily life and attitudes, while also being enjoyable for its colorful and creative non-standard Englsh and lively typography.

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Scope and Contents of the Collection

The African Market Literature Collection consists of printed items dating from the 1960s and 1970s. The collection represents a sampling of popular literature from African countries, primarily Nigeria and Ghana.

The collection is roughly equally divided between fiction and non-fiction. Romance, education/self-help, and African history/biography are particularly well represented. Several titles are part of the "African literature series" and "Junior African literature series." Items of special interest include a handbook for Kenyan chiefs outlining their duties and responsibilities, a speech by Nigerian politician, statesman, and revolutionary leader Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, guidelines for getting engaged to be married, and a monograph on popular pamphleteering in Nigeria.

Almost all of the educational/self-help items offer instruction on improving one's written and spoken English -- how to write better speeches, toasts, applications, business letters, even love letters. During the era of British colonization and control of the region only a small local elite had the opportunity to become proficient in English, but following independence in the mid-twentieth century English-language literacy expanded enormously and there was a sizable appetite for educational materials.

Authors represented include J.C. Abiakam, Chinua Achebe, J. (John) Benibengor Blay, Highbred Maxwell, Arthur Nwankwo, and the probably pseudonymous "Speedy Eric."

Most of the items are smaller format (8.5" x 5.25"), printed in black and white on inexpensive paper similar to newsprint, staple-bound with pastel-colored cardstock covers. A few are printed on higher-quality paper with color illustrations on sturdier covers, and perfect-bound (i.e. glued rather than stapled).

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Arrangement of the Collection

Material is subdivided by genre (romance, poetry, self-help, etc.). Within each series, items are alphabetical by title.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advance notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Use Restrictions

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

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Related Material

See also the Brazilian Market Literature Collection.

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Subject Headings

Persons

Subjects

Places

Genres and Forms

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

African Market Literature Collection,
Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Purchase, 2022.

Finding Aid Information

Created by: Michele Combs
Date: 17 Jan 2025
Revision history:

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Inventory

	Education and self-help
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, G-H
			Guides for engagement / Highbred Maxwell, no date How to organise meetings and know the work of a chairman, secretary..., no date How to speak in public and make good introductions, no date How to speak and write better English, good letters, receipts, agreements..., no date How to write all kinds of letters and compositions, compiled by many authors, no date
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, H-N
			How to write business letters, correct agreements, telegrams..., no date How to write good letters and applications / Okenwa Olisah, no date How to write love letters, toasts, and business letters / Speedy Eric, no date Learn how to write good English, better letters, better compositions... / M.N. Ohaejesi 1971 Modern hand book in business letter writing, compositions, better sentences... / Raja Raphael, no date Never trust all that love you [6th edition] / R. Okonkwo and J. Abiakam, no date
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, T-W
			Teach yourself good English, better sentences, good letters, and compositions / R. Okonkwo and J.C. Anorue, no date The work of an African chief in Kenya - Kazi za Machifu wa Kenya, 1960

	Fiction, general
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, A-Cl
			Adventures of the four stars / J.A. Okeke Anyichie, no date Ajajayi the bishop (Junior African literature series no. 7) / Kola Akinlade, Nov 1973 Be content with your lot / J. Benibengor Blay, 1971 The bride who wanted a special present / John Osogo, 1970 The climate of darkness / Naiwu Osahon, 1971
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, Co-D
			Coconut boy / J. Benibengor Blay, 1970 The course of justice and other stories (African literature series [No. 1?]) / A.G.S. Momodu, Jun 1973 Destiny boy / Samuel Akinadewo, 1964
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, E-I
			Echoes from the lagoon (African literature series no. 5) / Rasheed Gbadamosi, Dec 1973 The fat woman (Junior African literature series no. 1) / 'Remi Adedeji, Jul 1973 Fella's choice / Kole Omotoso, 1974 The gentle giant "Alakuku" / Highbred Maxwell, no date The insider: Stories of war and piece from Nigeria / Chinua Achebe, Athur Nwankwo, Samuel Ifejika, Flora Nwapa, 1971 It is time for stories (Junior African literature series no. 4) / 'Remi Adedeji, Jun 1973
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, J-Ma
			Justice on trial (African literature series no. 3) / T.U. Nwala, Dec 1973 The magic stone and other stories (East African Readers Library No. 12) / John M. Ibongia and M. Dobrin, 1967 Masilo's adventures and other stories / B.L. Leshoai, 1968
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, Mi-N
			Mid-day darkness (African literature series no. 4) / S.M.O. Aka, Dec 1973 Miracles and other stories (African literature series no. 2) / Kole Omotoso, Nov 1973 Nigerian fables & stories for beginners / Theophilus O.S. Ezeobi, 1973 Night watchers of Korlebu / Asare Konadu, 1967
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, S-T
			Stories at sundown / Kunle Akinsemoyin, 1965 Tales for boys and girls / J. Benibengor Blay, 1969 This is Lagos and other stories / Flora Nwapa, 1972

	History and biography
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, B-Ch
			Baba Mellor / J.A. Olusola, 1973 The beloved bishop: The life of Bishop A.B. Akinyele / T.A. (Bayo) Adebiyi, 1969 The bitterness of politics, and, Awolowo's last appeal / Mazi Raphael D.A. Nwankwo, no date Chief Gbondo: A Sierra Leone story / Willi Fitzjohn, 1974
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, Co-K
			The complete story of Nigeria civil war for unity and current affairs / S.A. Rajih, 1971 The flame of Islam / Jean Boyd, 1969 Important records on Nigeria civil war from 1866-1970 / J. Abiakam, no date Kikuyu folktales: Their nature and value / R.N. Gecau, 1970
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, L-P
			The life and works of Nigeria great leaders and new Nigeria current affairs questions and answers / M.O. Ukans, no date Life in the prison yard: "It is a hard life" / Okenwa Olisah, no date Literature for the masses: An analytical study of popular pamphleteering in Nigeria / Dr. Emmanuel Obiechina, 1971 Military intervention in African politics: A comparative study / Ebenezer Babatope, 1971 Nigeria answers questions / [no author], [1969?] On the current divergencies / Baba Oluwide, 1968 The planting of Christianity in Yorubaland / Modupe Oduyoye, no date
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, U
			Uganda's famous men series: Omukama Chwa II Kabarega / A.R. Dunbar, 1965

	Poetry
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, A-B
			Anthology of poetry for secondary schools, selected by B.S. Kwakwa, 1974 Beware soul brother / Chinua Achebe, 1973 Beware soul brother and other poems / Chinua Achebe, 1971
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, E-M
			Earlier poems / J. Benibengor Blay, 1971 Mau: 39 poems from Malawi / [no author given], 1972

	Romance
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, A-M
			Alomo / J. Benibengor Blay, 1969 Dr. Bengia wants a wife / J. Benibengor Blay, 1972 Forget me not / Highbred Maxwell, no date Ideal friendship between boys and girls - Thrills & romance - Applied love letters / Ahanotu J. Umeasiegbu, no date Lagos is a wicked place / Niyi Oniororo, no date Love in a clinic / J. Benibengor Blay, 1972 Mabel: The sweet honey that poured away / Speedy Eric, no date
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, O-T
			Our modern ladies characters towards boys / Highbred Maxwell, no date Rosemary and the taxi driver / Miller O. Albert, no date Saturday night disappointment / Miller O. Albert, no date Stubborn girl / J. Benibengor Blay, no date True love: Fineboy Joe and Beautiful Cathe / Eddy N. Ekesiobi, 1971

	Miscellaneous
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, F-O
			Family birth recorder for keeping particulars of new born babies from birth to school age / [no author], no date The incorruptible judge (Plays for African schools series) / D. Olu Olagoke, 1971 The labour of man / Ayo MacDonald, no date Oracle answers your questions / Omo-Odunlaye, 1969
Box 1		Miscellaneous titles, R-W
			Rank and file of the armed forces, police, fire service... / Frank E. Odile and Luigi Okenatez, 1971 Respect for human dignity: An inaugural address by his excellency Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, 16 Nov 1960 Wonders shall never end / Higbred Maxwell, no date

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