Mika Waltari (1908-1979) is one of the most loved Finnish writers having produced more than 100 books, plays, screenplays etc. His internationally best known novel, “The Egyptian”, has been translated into 40 languages, and it remained the most sold foreign novel in the US before its place was taken over by The Name of the Rose, by Umberto Eco. The Egyptian was also made into a Hollywood film by Michael Curtiz.