Naguib Mafouz
In Memoriam
Naguib Mahfouz
1911-2006
Naguib Mahfouz
1911-2006
The extraordinary Egyptian writer and Nobel prize winner (1988), whose work spanned the important eras of modern Egypt, has died, after a week in the hospital.
In Arabic, Mahfouz's work is an elegant, moving feat of language, and even in the most awkward of translations, the richness and the vibrancy of the emotion of (Egyptian) life shines through.
Regardless of what nonsense "intellectuals" such as Thomas Sowell wish to spout about Arab culture, Mahfouz was both one of the most brilliant modern writers in Arabic and a seminal writer of the 20th century, no matter the culture.
There is a very good tribute and background on Mahfouz on the Nobel website (thanks, The Arabist!) and check out Moorish Girl later today for an insightful comment from a very articulate Arab-American writer.
In Arabic, Mahfouz's work is an elegant, moving feat of language, and even in the most awkward of translations, the richness and the vibrancy of the emotion of (Egyptian) life shines through.
Regardless of what nonsense "intellectuals" such as Thomas Sowell wish to spout about Arab culture, Mahfouz was both one of the most brilliant modern writers in Arabic and a seminal writer of the 20th century, no matter the culture.
There is a very good tribute and background on Mahfouz on the Nobel website (thanks, The Arabist!) and check out Moorish Girl later today for an insightful comment from a very articulate Arab-American writer.
