Remembering Yusuf Idris on His 96th Birth Anniv.

Today, May 17 marks the 96th birth anniversary of one of Egypt's most talented and versatile writers Yusuf Idris.

He is a doctor, playwright, and philosopher. Idris has authored more than 90 books, ranging from stories, and short novels to scientific, philosophical, social, and romantic books.

Born in 1927 in Faqous, a small town in the Delta, he earned his degree from the faculty of medicine at Cairo University.

Apart from being a doctor, Idris was a regular writer for the famous daily newspaper Al-Ahram.

While he initially welcomed the July 1952 Revolution that ended monarchical rule in Egypt, he was soon disillusioned with the apparent inability of the country’s new rulers to make good on some of their promises, particularly about wider political participation and more even economic development.

In the 1960s, the acclaimed writer sought to create a uniquely Egyptian dramatic form using colloquial language and elements of traditional folk drama and shadow theater.

He is well known for his notable works, such as “Did You Have to Turn the Light on Li-Li?” from the 1970 collection House of Flesh, “The Shame” from the 1960 collection of the same name – a similar story, novel-length, later inspired a famous film – and “Al-Sheikh Sheikha,” here rendered as “The Freak,” from the 1966 collection The Ends of the Earth.

Throughout his career, Idris won several accolades, including the 1997's Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature for his novel City of Love and Ashes.

He married Raja al-Refai, with whom he had three children. His daughter Basma is also a published writer.

While the Egyptian novelist died on August 1, 1991, 32 years ago, his witty satires and biting critique of 20th-century Egypt's socioeconomic development issues continue to mesmerize multitudes today in print and on screen.