The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World's Most Precious Manuscripts

Recommended to all modern and ancient history lovers. Easy to read, enjoyable for all levels

this is a good real life story an all the more engaging for that fact. Uniquely bemusing, touchingly impressive (an in 1 instance quite galling, bewildering and bitterly disappointing). Technically I found the title a little misleading. Especially with it being written by an american, i get the impression americans have a rep for hype. As any1 remotely cynical may have realized. The main protagonist who at the time of the brief Taliban takeover of Timbuktu was fairly old was also not not that bad ass. After spending a few decades sourcing from surrounding areas an restoring ancient texts.Blows millions of foreign people an governments money on this work, building a library from the texts (1 for the public-view on request an 1 for his own private use) and then a cushy 2nd home in a nearby city an support for his new mistress he can now afford when he wants a break from his books an his disabled son. Ok he's relatively bad ass been a bit brave organizing the removal of the precious ancient texts to safety away from the Taliban but you only find out over halfway into the book he's safely in the nearby city at the time of the dangerous book removal which was done by 14-18 year olds (presumably as with a lot of isolated towns the 20/30 something males had to work away. Oh an I loved the 1st Tanriwen album but cant listen to it now as the great guitarist with an Afro from it turns out for some unexplained reason to be 1 of 2 people instrumental in conquering an torturing timbuktu (an after helping start tinariwen an starting a community enhancing international dessert festival too!). tragic. I wish the author had asked if it was right to use part the book money for a mistress an 2nd home but at least the books were safe unlike the monuments the Taliban smashed later

Thoroughly recommend this fascinating book. Eminently readable, story follows Haidara a Timbuktu librarian as he saves thousands of historical manuscripts. Covers contemporary events, fanaticism and learning. A story of our times.

Gripping story and a great book for anyone who loves books. Found the politics a bit simplistic in parts.

good delivery with good content and well presented thanks

Fascinating and inspiring story of how one man tracked down thousands of rare and ancient manuscripts, many of them hidden in the desert in Mali, and then had to launch a rescue mission to save them from Islamic militants. Very readable and informative, it reads like a story. Hammer has an extensive knowledge of the area and has spoken to diplomats, military figures and ordinary people involved in rescuing the manuscripts. There is enough political and military detail to give context, but the focus remains on the cultural heritage and the impact of the jihadi takeover on the libraries. The mission to save the manuscripts has heartstopping moments as exciting as any thriller. Thought-provoking, exciting and poignant, and very topical with the current wave of iconoclastic destruction. Well worth a read.

It's a gift but i think she'll like it.

History, adventure, politics all bundled into one terrific book. Just outstanding

I had no knowledge of the history of Saharan Africa. This book, written as a story rather than a text book, gave tremendous insights into a cultural that is overlooked by most people. Thanks to the author for bringing to light the this ancient culture.

This is an interesting and fascinating book. It introduced me to many things about Africa that I never knew. As I have learned when speaking with very educated friends from Africa, they never were told, even in university, about "the golden age of Timbuktu" . Well worth reading the book, and following the current news of Mali! EMS

This book is a brilliant analysis of the recent history of Sub Saharan Africa and the school of terrorism which flourished in the region, set against the backdrop of a deeply personal story of cultural preservation. It feels a little too agenda driven in places, and many flaws and errors are glossed over our ignored to drive the narrative, but nevertheless is a worthwhile read.

Tout était bien

A book easy to read. Quite neutral about a very sensitive issue. You can feel the hot breeze of the desert reaching the old books stored in too of the line library. Thanks to those people who risked their lives hiding the books from "them".