An outstanding figure in modern Arabic literature. Hussain Taha wrote novels, short stories, social and political essays and literary criticism. He was blind from the age of two, he was the first man to obtain a doctorate degree in 1914 from the University of Cairo and also studied at the Sorbonne University of France. He returned to Cairo University as a professor. Hussain Taha's criticism on the pre-Islamic poetry of Arabic embroiled him in fierce polemics. In his Fi Sh Shi al Aljahin he contended that much poetry including Saba Mualaqat reputed to be pre-Islamic was forged at a later date. Famous in the western world for his autobiography, Al Ayyam was translated into English. Hussain Taha also served as Minister of Education from 1950 to 1952. Hussain Taha was born in Egypt.