A vanguard of romantic poetry and member of the Apollo Society, Ali Mahmoud Taha, called the engineer or the Lost Sailor after his own occupation and the title of his first collection of poems respectively, was not so immersed in Romancism as were his colleagues Ibrahim Nagui and Mohammad al-Hamshari. Taha’s writing was politically-colored, nationalistic and provocative, despite the fact that he died before the outbreak of the 1952 July Revolution.

Taha was born to a middle-class family. After finishing school, he graduated from the Faculty of Applied Arts in 1924. For many years afterwards, he worked as an engineer, until his political connections enabled him to enter Parliament.

Taha enjoyed an exceptional standing among the poets of his time ever since his first collection was published under the title "The Lost Sailor". The influence of French Romancism could be seen very clear in his poems. His writings were also inspired by scenes from his childhood. He idolized beauty, and best described feelings. He put elegance before culture; music before phraseology.

Taha died in 1949 after a short illness and was buried in his hometown, Mansoura.

Famous work
Sharq wa Gharb (East and West)
Arawah wa Ashbah (Spirits and Ghosts)
Zahr wa Khamr (Flower and Wine)
Al-Shawq al-’Aed (Passion Returned)
Layali al-Malah al-Taeih (Nights of the Lost Sailor)
Al-Malah al-Taeih (The Lost Sailor)