ABUL FAZL SIDDIQI was born in Badayun, India, in 1908. A versatile and prolific writer, he drew his characters from the rural and feudal environment of India and portrayed them with engaging realism. His published works include ten collections of short stories, four novels, four novellas, a book of biographical sketches, a book on gardening, and a translation of George Orwell’s novel 1984. His short story “Charhtaa Suraj” was the recipient of a UNESCO International Award in 1957. He died in Karachi in 1986.