The Bad Ass Librarians of Timbuktu

The Bad Ass Librarians of Timbuktu

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.

“Illuminating reading.”

— Booklist

Review by 1000 Libraries

The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer is a thrilling blend of history, adventure, and heroism that captures the resilience of people determined to preserve cultural treasures. The book tells the story of a group of brave individuals in Mali who, in the face of jihadist forces, risk their lives to save hundreds of thousands of ancient manuscripts. Hammer’s narrative is fast-paced and gripping, bringing to life the stakes involved in preserving the rich intellectual and cultural history of Timbuktu. It’s a true story that reads like a novel, filled with moments of tension and triumph.

What sets this book apart is how it blends history with modern-day conflict, providing a deep dive into the significance of the manuscripts and the threat they faced. Hammer gives the reader a detailed look at how these texts, filled with knowledge on topics ranging from medicine to astronomy, are a testament to the advanced scholarship of medieval Africa. The bravery of Abdel Kader Haidara, the protagonist, and his team in moving the manuscripts across dangerous terrain shows their dedication to safeguarding these irreplaceable artifacts. Hammer’s ability to contextualize this within the larger political turmoil of the region makes the story even more powerful.

This book is not only a tribute to the bravery of the librarians but also a call to recognize the importance of cultural preservation. It highlights how knowledge, history, and art are often the first casualties in war and conflict, but also how they inspire individuals to take action even in the face of grave danger. The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu is a must-read for anyone who enjoys adventure stories grounded in real-world events, and for those who value the role that culture and history play in shaping our world.

“Part history, part scholarly adventure story and part journalist survey of the volatile religious politics of the Maghreb region. . . . Hammer writes with verve and expertise.”

“A powerful narrative. . . . Hammer’s clearly written and engaging chronicle of the achievements of Timbuktu, the risks presented to this area, and portraits of several brave and dedicated individuals brings to light an important and unfamiliar story.”

“This book is a particularly adventurous and impressive example of the fact that, even with time, water, fire, mold, and termites, humanity remains the greatest threat to books and our literary, historical, and creative heritage.”

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