Mika Waltari

Mika Waltari (1908–1979) was a Finnish writer. He initially studied theology before turning to literature and philosophy. He then worked as a journalist, translator, and literary critic, becoming a full-time writer in 1938. His varied body of work includes poetry, short stories, and crime novels, including the series featuring Inspector Palmu. He became internationally known primarily for the historical novel The Egyptian (1945), also published as Sinuhe the Egyptian. Waltari became a member of the Finnish Academy in 1957, and in 1970 the University of Turku awarded him an honorary doctorate.