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Taha Hussain, born in 1889, was one of the most influential writers of his time. A very prominent and well known figure amongst all the Egyptian writers, Taha Hussain believed in the modernist movement of Egypt.
Early life of Taha Hussain
Taha Hussain had a tragic start to life. He was born in the village of Izbet el Kilo in central Egypt and had contacted an eye infection when he was still a child. Improper treatment caused him to lose his sight completely by the time he was three years old.
Academic path of Taha Hussain
He earned his place in the newly formed Cairo University and became the first graduate to receive a Ph. D. in 1914. Later he became a professor of History in Cairo University and wrote many novels and essays.
Taha Hussain’s beliefs and style of writing
Taha Hussain was an ardent follower of the Egyptian renaissance and his works reflected the ideology of Pharaonism. His writing indicated that the different civilizations in Egypt caused diametrically opposed forces that hindered progress and that they should go back to their roots.
His works gave him recognition and he was made the Minister of Education. Taha Hussain promoted enlightenment, women’s emancipation and free education. Subsequently, primary education was later made free in Egypt and is funded by the government.
Classification of Taha Hussein literary writings
His works can be divided into three broad categories:
Arabic and Islamic literature and culture
Fictional works revolving around social issues such as poverty and ignorance
Political articles
Works of Taha Hussein
Some of the books Taha Hussain wrote are critically acclaimed and are admired in the literary world. He has even written and researched on pre-Islamic poetry. His collection of essays and short stories called the Wednesday Talk deals with social issues and is based heavily on literary criticism.
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