About the Author

Max Siollun is a historian, writer, and author who specialises in Nigeria's history under military rule. He has written some of the most acclaimed books on Nigeria's history, and divides his time between London, Washington, DC, and Nigeria. He has been described as standing 'unchallenged, in contemporary times, as the Chronicler-in-Chief of the Nigerian military' by the Special Assistant on New Media to Nigeria's President Buhari, Tolu Ogunlesi.

Reviews

‘Sharply written and well-informed.’
*Foreign Affairs*

‘Riveting, [with] crisp, disciplined sentences and an engaging pace plus expert descriptions of colourful characters. This is how history should be written. [Each chapter] is virtually a stand-alone booklet offering entertaining and informative insights.’
*Ikhide R. Ikheloa in Brittle Paper*

'Writing on Nigerian politics is treacherous: rumours replace data, anecdotes are treated as history, and personal beliefs are stronger than reality. Siollun’s fascinating stories overcome this, revealing a dynamic country full of surprises. This book is a great accomplishment, and millions of Nigerians will connect with it.'
*Toyin Falola, Professor of African Studies and Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities, University of Texas at Austin*

'Rich in biographical details and elegantly written, Siollun brings to life the key political actors in this transformational period of Nigerian history. He reveals the complex web of civil-military relations in Nigeria and vividly demonstrates the immediate and long-term consequences of military rule.'
*Maggie Dwyer, Lecturer in Africa and International Development, Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh*

'In Nigeria’s Soldiers of Fortune, Max Siollun has succeeded remarkably in accomplishing what many have failed to achieve. Disentangles, in a lively yet dispassionate style, the web of intrigue, brinkmanship, patriotism, nepotism, ethno-regionalism, courage, and flamboyance associated with post-colonial Nigeria.'
*Gloria Emeagwali, Professor of History and African Studies, Central Connecticut State University*