Yusuf Idris, also Yusif Idris (May 19, 1927 – August 1, 1991) was an Egyptian writer of plays, short stories, and novels.

Biography

Idris was born in Faqous. He originally trained to be a doctor, studying at Cairo University. He sought to put the foundations of a modern Egyptian theatre based on popular traditions and folklore, his main success in this quest was his most famous work, a play called "Al-Farafeer" (الفرافير) depicting two main characters: the Master and the Farfour (poor layman). For some time he was a regular writer in the famous daily newspaper Al-Ahram. From the English edition of The Cheapest Nights: "While a medical student his work against Farouk’s regime and the British led to his imprisonment and suspension from College. After graduation, he worked at Kasr el Eini, the largest government hospital in Egypt. He supported Nasser’s rise to power but became disillusioned in 1954 at the time when his first collection of stories The Cheapest Nights was published . . Yusuf Idris’ stories are powerful and immediate reflections of the experiences of his own rebellious life. His continuing contact with the struggling poor enables him to portray characters sensitively and imaginatively".

Personal life

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

Works in English

Principal works

Short Stories ** Plays ** Novels and Novellas Other writings

Awards and honours

Idris won the 1997 Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature for his novel City of Love and Ashes.