On December 11, 2011, Egypt will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of its sole Nobel literature laureate, Naguib Mahfouz.
While Egyptians also now have other things on our/their minds, the Mahfouz centenary is still a landmark, and we are observing it as such. The offerings of “Mahfouz Mondays”:
William Hutchins on Translating Naguib Mahfouz’s ‘Trilogy’ and ‘Cairo Modern’
How I Met Mahfouz: Amira Nowaira on Growing Up with the Trilogy
5 Thoughts from Raymond Stock on Translating the Master
How I Met Mahfouz: Down ‘Midaq Alley’ in ’77
5 Questions with Catherine Cobham on Translation Mahfouz’s ‘Harafish’
Meeting Mahfouz: An Evening at the Nadwa
Two Eid Memories from Naguib Mahfouz
A centenary video celebration from AUC Press:
Gah! over praised…. Yusuf Idris is the true master and first in line for the honours.
Indeed, Yusuf Idris is also closer to my heart, for many reasons. And indeed, there has been an over-focus on the work of Mahfouz.
Nonetheless, it is the man’s centenary. Watch this space in May of 2027 for a much bigger celebration of Idris. 🙂
My Mahfouz favorite continues to be Arabian Nights and Days.
http://brittlepaper.com/2012/05/heart-chicago-salvation-army/