Bookless in Baghdad by Shashi Tharoor (Hardcover)

“Bookless in Baghdad” is a memoir written by Shashi Tharoor, an Indian author, diplomat, and politician. The book was published in 2005. In “Bookless in Baghdad,” Tharoor reflects on the looting of the National Library in Baghdad during the Iraq War in 2003. The book discusses the tragic loss of thousands of irreplaceable manuscripts, books, and historical documents, as well as the broader implications of such cultural destruction.

Tharoor uses this incident as a starting point to explore the importance of preserving cultural and intellectual heritage, not only in Iraq but around the world. He argues for the value of books and libraries as repositories of human knowledge and history.

The book also delves into broader themes related to war, conflict, and the impact of political decisions on culture and knowledge. “Bookless in Baghdad” is a thought-provoking work that highlights the significance of literature and the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of destruction and conflict.