The Book Smugglers of Timbuktu : The Quest for this Storied City and the Race to Save Its Treasures

The Book Smugglers of Timbuktu : The Quest for this Storied City and the Race to Save Its Treasures

 
To Westerners, the name 'Timbuktu' long conjured a tantalising paradise, an African El Dorado where even the slaves wore gold. Beginning in the late eighteenth century, a series of explorers gripped by the fever for discovery tried repeatedly to reach the fabled city. But one expedition after another went disastrously awry, succumbing to attack, climate, and disease.

Timbuktu was rich in another way too. A medieval centre of learning, it was home to tens - according to some, hundreds - of thousands of ancient manuscripts, on subjects ranging from religion to poetry, law to history, pharmacology, and astronomy. When al-Qaeda-linked jihadists surged across Mali in 2012, threatening the existence of these precious documents, a remarkable thing happened: a team of librarians and archivists joined forces to spirit the manuscripts into hiding.

Relying on extensive research and firsthand reporting, Charlie English expertly twines these two suspenseful strands into a fascinating account of one of the planet's extraordinary places, and the myths from which it has become inseparable.

About the Author

Charlie English is the former head of international news at the Guardian. A fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and author of a previous book, The Snow Tourist, he first journey to African at nineteen, and has travelled widely there and elsewhere around the globe. He lives in London.

Specifications:

  • ISBN : 9780008126650
  • Product Type : Book
  • Format : Paperback
  • Author : Charlie English
  • Language : ENG
  • Country of Publication : GB
GTIN: 9780008126650

Shipping Details

Booktopia uses the best quality packing material to protect items for the journey from our Sydney Distribution Centre to our customers, with the intention that they arrive in the same condition they left our Distribution Centre.

Shipping Expectation

Your order will ship within 2 business days

Delivery Instructions

Booktopia uses Australia Post for deliveries throughout Australia. Australia Post will leave the parcel unattended only if it's safe to do so, and take a photo as Proof of Delivery. Please note higher value deliveries may require a signature on receipt.

If there is no-one at home to provide a signature, the delivery person will leave a notification card and you may also receive an email letting you know where your parcel is.

Returns
This policy does not limit the rights you are entitled to under Australian Consumer Law. Booktopia does not accept returns or offer refunds for a change of mind. If you have any concerns about the item you have received then please ensure you contact Booktopia customer care first through your MyDeal account as soon as possible.

Damaged or Faulty Items
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

If you have received an item that is incorrect, damaged or faulty please contact Booktopia customer Care first through your MyDeal account as soon as possible. Booktopia will require evidence of the issue and may require you to return the item for assessment.

Before returning anything you must contact Booktopia customer care as returns will not be accepted without a Return Authorisation. Booktopia may provide means to return an item at no cost to you or an alternate remedy. If an item is required to be returned (at no cost) it must be packed securely with cardboard or bubble wrap protecting the item, packed to prevent movement inside the package and ensuring the package is firmly enclosed

Refunds
Where a Return Authorisation has been given, a refund via the method used for payment of the order will be provided. Booktopia will contact you if any items are not eligible for a refund.

Refund Guarantee Icon
Shop with peace of mind
All marketplace products are covered by our MyDeal Refund Guarantee Learn More
Sold & shipped by Booktopia
Reference ID: 449145

Reviews (0) Add Review

No reviews yet