An exploration of the changing face of fear examining the complex conflicts between power and freedom, the motive behind unthinkable acts of violence and the meaning of human dignity. Soyinka also compares the fanaticism of powerful terrorists with the attitudes of world leaders and shows how fear bears a special relationship to the exercise of power. These essays have been developed from the BBC Radio 4 Reith Lectures presented by the author in spring 2004. xv, 135pp, UK. PROFILE BOOKS, 1861977832

A consideration of the challenges now facing Nigeria's leadership offering analyses of the country's current political and economic systems. BNS, 272pp, USA. LYNNE RIENNER, 1588262995

Twenty-five chapters address various issues concerning the geo-political construct called the Nigerian nation. Notes, index, xviii, 287pp. AFRICA WORLD PRESS, 0865437904

A personal view of Nigeria's present crisis with suggestions for future development. Index, notes, 202 pages, UK. BOOKREACH LTD, 1858460409

This book covers the modalities and strategies of the re-founding of Nigeria, relative to the political, socio-economic and leadership challenges facing Nigeria and its prospects for rebirth in the twenty-first century. It explores the idea that the African State can be re-founded, conditional on its ability to learn from its history, and that changes to the state can made before significant political, economic, and social development can take place. 304pp, USA. MELLEN PRESS, EDWIN.

Highlights the painful legacy of the artificial construction of Nigeria as a nation state and argues for separation as a way forward. Index, vi, 147pp, UK . EKINEH, MR ALIYI, 0953811921

After 15 years of continuous military dictatorship, Nigeria is poised on a fine edge, and however difficult to predict, its outcome could determine the fate not only of its immediate neighbors but of the rest of Africa as well. Religion, ethnicity, politics, corruption and grinding poverty simmer in a potent brew in Nigeria. Karl Maier's book illustrates the tensions that are threatening to tear apart one of the world's great multi-ethnic states. A brilliant piece of reportage and travel writing, This House Has Fallen looks into the Nigerian abyss and comes away with insight, profound conclusions, and even some hope. Notes, index, 320pp, USA. PENGUIN BOOKS, 0140298843

A plea for honest leadership, written before the Nigerian 1983 elections. 68pp, UK. HEINEMANN AFRICAN WRITERS SERIES.