The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World's Most Precious Manuscripts
$25.99
Description
Book Synopsis: To save precious centuries-old Arabic texts from Al Qaeda, a band of librarians in Timbuktu pulls off a brazen heist worthy of Ocean's Eleven. In the 1980s, a young adventurer and collector for a government library, Abdel Kader Haidara, journeyed across the Sahara Desert and along the Niger River, tracking down and salvaging tens of thousands of ancient Islamic and secular manuscripts that had fallen into obscurity. The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu tells the incredible story of how Haidara, a mild-mannered archivist and historian from the legendary city of Timbuktu, later became one of the world's greatest and most brazen smugglers. In 2012, thousands of Al Qaeda militants from northwest Africa seized control of most of Mali, including Timbuktu. They imposed Sharia law, chopped off the hands of accused thieves, stoned to death unmarried couples, and threatened to destroy the great manuscripts. As the militants tightened their control over Timbuktu, Haidara organized a dangerous operation to sneak all 350,000 volumes out of the city to the safety of southern Mali. Over the past twenty years, journalist Joshua Hammer visited Timbuktu numerous times and is uniquely qualified to tell the story of Haidara's heroic and ultimately successful effort to outwit Al Qaeda and preserve Mali's—and the world's—literary patrimony. Hammer explores the city's manuscript heritage and offers never-before-reported details about the militants' march into northwest Africa. But above all, The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu is an inspiring account of the victory of art and literature over extremism.
Details
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey filled with courage and bravery? Introducing "The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World's Most Precious Manuscripts" - a captivating true story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Follow the footsteps of Abdel Kader Haidara, a daring explorer, as he ventures into the treacherous Sahara Desert to rescue ancient Islamic and secular manuscripts from the clutches of Al Qaeda.
Picture this: a heart-stopping heist worthy of Hollywood's Ocean's Eleven. In the face of danger, Haidara, a mild-mannered archivist and historian, transforms into one of the world's greatest and most audacious smugglers. Be prepared to be amazed as you witness his remarkable journey in salvaging tens of thousands of these centuries-old Arabic texts that had fallen into obscurity.
In 2012, chaos struck as Al Qaeda militants seized control of Timbuktu, imposing brutal Sharia law and threatening to destroy the priceless manuscripts. But Haidara was not about to let this literary heritage fade away. With unwavering determination, he masterminded a daring operation to evacuate all 350,000 volumes out of the city to safety. Joshua Hammer, a renowned journalist with unparalleled access to Timbuktu, brings you the incredible account of Haidara's heroic efforts to outsmart the militants and preserve the world's literary treasures.
Delve into the depths of Timbuktu's rich manuscript heritage as Hammer uncovers the secrets and untold stories hidden within this ancient city. Experience the thrill of discovery as you learn never-before-reported details about the militants' march into northwest Africa. Above all, "The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu" serves as a testament to the triumph of art and literature over extremism, inspiring us all to stand up for what we treasure most.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary tale that will send shivers down your spine. Join the courageous Bad-Ass Librarians, and be transported into a world where bravery knows no bounds. Get your copy of the book today and immerse yourself in an adventure that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind. Click here to grab "The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu" now!
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