The Storied City

In "Timbuktu," Charlie English weaves together the captivating history of a city steeped in legend with the urgent contemporary tale of librarians and archivists striving to protect its treasured manuscripts from destruction by al-Qaeda. Long viewed as a mythical paradise, Timbuktu faced numerous ill-fated expeditions by explorers seeking to unveil its secrets. As the threat to its ancient texts emerged in 2012, a dedicated team undertook a perilous mission to safeguard this vital cultural heritage. Through extensive research and firsthand accounts, English crafts a gripping narrative that illuminates the rich past and ongoing significance of this extraordinary place.