What do you think?
Rate this book
The Library Mule of Cordoba
Saving the world’s knowledge from destruction depends on the worst mule in history.
The Caliphate of Al-Andalus, Spain, 976. The Caliphate has been blessed with a period of peace, culture, and science for nearly sixty years. The Caliph Abd al-Rahman III and his son al-Hakam II made Cordoba the Western capital of learning. But al-Hakam II dies young, and his son is only eleven years old. One of his viziers, Amir, seizes the opportunity to take power.
Radical clergymen, in exchange for their support of the illegitimate pretender, want to see the 400,000 books in Cordoba’s library burn. The night before the biggest bonfire ever, the head librarian, a eunuch named Tarid, gathers all the books he can and loads them onto the back of a passing mule. He takes off in hopes of saving what he can of universal knowledge. Joined by a young copyist and a former apprentice who went on to become a thief and vagabond, Tarid and his lazy, over-burdened “bibliomule” set out on a madcap adventure: crossing nearly all of Spain with Berber mercenaries in hot pursuit.
The Caliphate of Al-Andalus, Spain, 976. The Caliphate has been blessed with a period of peace, culture, and science for nearly sixty years. The Caliph Abd al-Rahman III and his son al-Hakam II made Cordoba the Western capital of learning. But al-Hakam II dies young, and his son is only eleven years old. One of his viziers, Amir, seizes the opportunity to take power.
Radical clergymen, in exchange for their support of the illegitimate pretender, want to see the 400,000 books in Cordoba’s library burn. The night before the biggest bonfire ever, the head librarian, a eunuch named Tarid, gathers all the books he can and loads them onto the back of a passing mule. He takes off in hopes of saving what he can of universal knowledge. Joined by a young copyist and a former apprentice who went on to become a thief and vagabond, Tarid and his lazy, over-burdened “bibliomule” set out on a madcap adventure: crossing nearly all of Spain with Berber mercenaries in hot pursuit.
263 pages, Hardcover
First published November 26, 2021
36 people are currently reading
862 people want to read
About the author
Wilfrid Lupano
108 books120 followersWilfrid Lupano is a French comics writer. Born in Nantes, he spent most of his childhood in Pau. Growing up, he buried himself in his parents’ comics-book collection, and his wild imagination and interest in writing stems from a love of role-playing games.
As a young adult Lupano worked as a server to finance his studies in philosophy and English. With his friends and creative partners, Roland Pignault and Fred Campoy, he created the humorous western Little Big Joe, among other works.
As a young adult Lupano worked as a server to finance his studies in philosophy and English. With his friends and creative partners, Roland Pignault and Fred Campoy, he created the humorous western Little Big Joe, among other works.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
October 6, 2024
In a Nutshell: A graphic novel that would work well for older teens and adults. A historical fiction set in the year 976 in Spain. The plot approach is quite humorous and adventurous but underneath lies a dark part of human history. Recommended!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
This graphic novel was originally published in French under the title ‘La Bibliomule de Cordoue.’ This English translation came out in September 2024.
Bookish Yays:
📚 The title of this book reminded of the packhorse librarians made famous by Kim Michele Richardson in ‘The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek’. However, unlike the helpful packhorses who actually functioned as a library for the mountain dwellers of Kentucky, our titular mule is a stubborn fellow who is pushed into serving as a ‘bookmobile’. Not sure if he deserves being the eponymous protagonist, but he sure is a fun addition to this story.
📚 While the plot itself isn’t true, the historical background and the destruction of the Cordoba library (whether by burning the books or not) did happen. Lubna was also an actual slave copyist. The reality of the story is quite grim, though the plot feels light.
📚 The introductory details on the Caliphate and the geographical and historical background of the region. Also the parting note on the events mentioned in the plot. Both very helpful in getting the right setting for the story, especially as medieval Spain isn’t something everyone knows about.
📚 The main trio: Tarid, Lubna, and Marwan. Their connection might not always be smooth, but as a team, they work excellently. Tarid and Lubna carry the added burden of bringing a social aspect into the narrative, because Tariq is a eunuch slave and Lubna is a female Black slave. Their education and work position might surprise many who believe the American slavery narrative to be universally applicable.
📚 A historical graphic novel where the female is not just a prop but has an active role to play? More power to Lubna!
📚 The mule’s fascination for mathematician Al-Khwarizmi! 😆 The mule shows how “mulish” came into being as an adjective in English.
📚 The episodic adventures that see the three main characters (four if you count the mule) struggle with external threats as well as personal struggles such as hunger.
📚 The books and Tarid’s and Lubna’s passion for them will win every bibliophile’s heart!
📚 The graphics. Dark and light in hues as needed by the plot. Comical when necessary, serious when not. The illustrations go excellently with the story.
📚 The final few pages of the story are sobering, saddening, and scary. They highlight many major libraries of the world that have been destroyed due to religious wars and power-crazy but fragile egos. From the Great Library of Alexandria between the 4th-6th centuries to the Baghdad library in 2007, book destruction still continues. It might be symbolic in these days of the digital word, but any kind of book ban or book burning throws back progress by years. I wonder how much of human advancement has been hindered simply because we lost the knowledge gained by our forebears to the actions of egomaniacs.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
📕 Though the story is serious at its core, there is plenty of humour in the banter and in the actions, especially when Tarid is trying to manoeuvre the obstinate mule as per his wishes. The humour helps balance the challenges of their situation. At the same time, I feel that the levity affects the seriousness of the issue, especially because the final few pages of the comic turn extremely disheartening. The jump between the light scenes in the plot to those dreary final pages with details of many (though not all) of the destroyed libraries of the world is too sudden. It feels weird to go from laughing in one second to sober in the next.
Bookish Nays:
📜 As seems to be a common trend with European bande dessinées, there is a nude scene in the book, and as expected, it is female nudity. I don’t complain about this if the plot needs it, but in this story, it was not at all necessary. Though this doesn’t last for many panels, it still feels forced in.
📜 The ending of the main plot of Tarid and his group saving the books is very abrupt.
📜 Corporal punishment of children appears multiple times to induce chuckles. Physical beating is not a joke!
All in all, I loved this story for the way it tackled a dark historical truth in a relatively easy-to-understand manner. I am sure Tarid would have been very pleased with this book.
Much recommended to historical fiction readers who are also graphic novel enthusiasts. Suitable to older teens and above. Do check out the content warnings mentioned below.
4 stars.
My thanks to Diamond Book Distributors and Ablaze for providing the DRC of “The Library Mule of Cordoba” via Edelweiss+. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Possible age-inappropriate content for youngsters: indication of sexual relationships, multiple mentions of castration, mental health issues, threatened sexual assault, nudity, slavery, corporal punishment, fat shaming, religious tussles, violence, parental death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
976 AD. Al-Andalus, Spain. The Caliphate of Cordoba has been blessed with many rulers who value culture and knowledge. However, after the reigning Caliph dies unexpectedly and his son is too young to take charge, his power-hungry vizier Muhammad Amir seizes the opportunity. One of his priority assignments is to destroy the 400000 books in the Caliph’s library. When the head librarian, an overweight eunuch named Tarid, overhears the Caliph’s plan, he decides to save whatever books he can, even if he isn’t physically fit to outrun anyone.
Joined by a female copyist named Lubna, a former apprentice Marwan who is currently a thief and vagabond, and the most stubborn mule in history, the unlikely team sets forth on a crazy adventure that includes several madcap experiences and life-threatening incidents, all to save books from a fiery fate.
This graphic novel was originally published in French under the title ‘La Bibliomule de Cordoue.’ This English translation came out in September 2024.
Bookish Yays:
📚 The title of this book reminded of the packhorse librarians made famous by Kim Michele Richardson in ‘The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek’. However, unlike the helpful packhorses who actually functioned as a library for the mountain dwellers of Kentucky, our titular mule is a stubborn fellow who is pushed into serving as a ‘bookmobile’. Not sure if he deserves being the eponymous protagonist, but he sure is a fun addition to this story.
📚 While the plot itself isn’t true, the historical background and the destruction of the Cordoba library (whether by burning the books or not) did happen. Lubna was also an actual slave copyist. The reality of the story is quite grim, though the plot feels light.
📚 The introductory details on the Caliphate and the geographical and historical background of the region. Also the parting note on the events mentioned in the plot. Both very helpful in getting the right setting for the story, especially as medieval Spain isn’t something everyone knows about.
📚 The main trio: Tarid, Lubna, and Marwan. Their connection might not always be smooth, but as a team, they work excellently. Tarid and Lubna carry the added burden of bringing a social aspect into the narrative, because Tariq is a eunuch slave and Lubna is a female Black slave. Their education and work position might surprise many who believe the American slavery narrative to be universally applicable.
📚 A historical graphic novel where the female is not just a prop but has an active role to play? More power to Lubna!
📚 The mule’s fascination for mathematician Al-Khwarizmi! 😆 The mule shows how “mulish” came into being as an adjective in English.
📚 The episodic adventures that see the three main characters (four if you count the mule) struggle with external threats as well as personal struggles such as hunger.
📚 The books and Tarid’s and Lubna’s passion for them will win every bibliophile’s heart!
📚 The graphics. Dark and light in hues as needed by the plot. Comical when necessary, serious when not. The illustrations go excellently with the story.
📚 The final few pages of the story are sobering, saddening, and scary. They highlight many major libraries of the world that have been destroyed due to religious wars and power-crazy but fragile egos. From the Great Library of Alexandria between the 4th-6th centuries to the Baghdad library in 2007, book destruction still continues. It might be symbolic in these days of the digital word, but any kind of book ban or book burning throws back progress by years. I wonder how much of human advancement has been hindered simply because we lost the knowledge gained by our forebears to the actions of egomaniacs.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
📕 Though the story is serious at its core, there is plenty of humour in the banter and in the actions, especially when Tarid is trying to manoeuvre the obstinate mule as per his wishes. The humour helps balance the challenges of their situation. At the same time, I feel that the levity affects the seriousness of the issue, especially because the final few pages of the comic turn extremely disheartening. The jump between the light scenes in the plot to those dreary final pages with details of many (though not all) of the destroyed libraries of the world is too sudden. It feels weird to go from laughing in one second to sober in the next.
Bookish Nays:
📜 As seems to be a common trend with European bande dessinées, there is a nude scene in the book, and as expected, it is female nudity. I don’t complain about this if the plot needs it, but in this story, it was not at all necessary. Though this doesn’t last for many panels, it still feels forced in.
📜 The ending of the main plot of Tarid and his group saving the books is very abrupt.
📜 Corporal punishment of children appears multiple times to induce chuckles. Physical beating is not a joke!
All in all, I loved this story for the way it tackled a dark historical truth in a relatively easy-to-understand manner. I am sure Tarid would have been very pleased with this book.
Much recommended to historical fiction readers who are also graphic novel enthusiasts. Suitable to older teens and above. Do check out the content warnings mentioned below.
4 stars.
My thanks to Diamond Book Distributors and Ablaze for providing the DRC of “The Library Mule of Cordoba” via Edelweiss+. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Possible age-inappropriate content for youngsters: indication of sexual relationships, multiple mentions of castration, mental health issues, threatened sexual assault, nudity, slavery, corporal punishment, fat shaming, religious tussles, violence, parental death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
September 16, 2024
I received a review copy of this book from Ablaze via Edelweiss for which my thanks.
A story of a library, of the love for books and knowledge as also an adventure to protect and save those very books, The Library Mule of Cordoba is a graphic novel set in tenth-century Cordoba, against the historical background of a boy king (Caliph Hisham) and his very ambitious (and needless to say unscrupulous) vizier. First published in French in 2021, this English version is published by Ablaze in 2024 and takes up the very relevant issue of destruction (or banning/censoring) of books, something seen in many epochs in the past, when ideologies clashed and/or dictators took over.
Cordoba in the tenth century was a flourishing caliphate, culturally rich and with several centres of learning and a rich library built by Abd-al Rahman III and his successor Al-Hakam II, with hundreds of thousands of rare volumes, copied (and/or translated) and maintained. Our story opens in the reign of Hisham, the successor to Al-Hakam who was enthroned at only 11, and whose vizier Al-Mansur kept him virtually confined to his palace, supposedly for his own protection. At the library of Cordoba, the eunuch librarian Tarid overhears a plan being put into execution and sets off to give effect to his own. What is about to unfold is the horrific burning of all the hundreds of thousands of books in Cordoba library so that the vizier can gain the support of radicals to begin waging wars to expand his influence. Tarid can’t stop this but wants to save as many of these precious volumes as he can. Joined by a copyist Lubna who shares his love of books and who has always tried to help and a former apprentice (now thief) who happens just at the time to wander back into their midst and a mule who is described as the worst mule there could ever be, this motley band set out on a journey across harsh terrain to save what books they can carry.
Not only are there challenges in their way, but the vizier’s men are also in pursuit. And while Tarid has possible destinations in mind, they can’t be sure of receiving help for would any neighbours want to cross the vizier? Tarid’s proportions and the mule’s obstinacy present obstacles as well—not as serious as others in their way but whose consequences can be that. The story follows their extraordinary adventures as they go to great lengths and take various risks to save their precious cargo.
The Library Mule of Cordoba was great fun to read while also keeping at its heart the issue of preserving books and knowledge, often victim to radicals and dictators, and consequently lost for ever. Our little group of adventurers, particularly Tarid, would do anything to save the volumes he has managed to get out of the library and indeed they do, facing hunger and thirst (since setting out at the last minute means they have neither food/water nor money) and rough terrain with a mule that’s not only difficult to move but also develops a real taste for one of these precious volumes in particular, which she’d be glad to get a bite of!
As they travel avoiding or trying to avoid various dangers including having to cross rivers or climb up rocky paths without losing the books, we also learn their various stories. How Tarid and Lubna as educated slaves ended up as scribes/copyists in the library (a possibility at the time), Tarid climbing further up the ranks. We also see how our thief, Marwan started off as apprentice in the library and ended up a thief on the streets, only to return to Cordoba with very different motives before he finds himself part of the book-rescuing quest.
While the story told here is fictional, the historical characters and background are true and the incidents which set off our adventure (the burning of books) may or may not have taken place in real life, with there being only a few scattered references. There is a lovely map and timeline at the start explaining the setting and a historical note at the end which gives us not only a background of how these kingdoms were established, dating back to the successors of the prophet but also the historical events around which our adventure is woven. The last few pages preceding the historical note also specifically bring up instances where libraries or books have been destroyed at various points in history (from Mayan codices to as recently as Baghdad in 2007) also raising the question of present-day threats.
The book uses both pictures and words to tell the story and some scenes including at the opening are in pictures alone, left to the reader to understand/interpret. The artwork uses the full colour palette but in muted/soft shades with ‘flashbacks’ depicted in monochrome or with a limited palette.
The mule may be stubborn and our characters might think her the worst mule in the world, but she is very much a part of our band, and curse her all they may, they grow to care for her too!
For images and a real life library burro, stop by at my blog: https://potpourri2015.wordpress.com/2...
A story of a library, of the love for books and knowledge as also an adventure to protect and save those very books, The Library Mule of Cordoba is a graphic novel set in tenth-century Cordoba, against the historical background of a boy king (Caliph Hisham) and his very ambitious (and needless to say unscrupulous) vizier. First published in French in 2021, this English version is published by Ablaze in 2024 and takes up the very relevant issue of destruction (or banning/censoring) of books, something seen in many epochs in the past, when ideologies clashed and/or dictators took over.
Cordoba in the tenth century was a flourishing caliphate, culturally rich and with several centres of learning and a rich library built by Abd-al Rahman III and his successor Al-Hakam II, with hundreds of thousands of rare volumes, copied (and/or translated) and maintained. Our story opens in the reign of Hisham, the successor to Al-Hakam who was enthroned at only 11, and whose vizier Al-Mansur kept him virtually confined to his palace, supposedly for his own protection. At the library of Cordoba, the eunuch librarian Tarid overhears a plan being put into execution and sets off to give effect to his own. What is about to unfold is the horrific burning of all the hundreds of thousands of books in Cordoba library so that the vizier can gain the support of radicals to begin waging wars to expand his influence. Tarid can’t stop this but wants to save as many of these precious volumes as he can. Joined by a copyist Lubna who shares his love of books and who has always tried to help and a former apprentice (now thief) who happens just at the time to wander back into their midst and a mule who is described as the worst mule there could ever be, this motley band set out on a journey across harsh terrain to save what books they can carry.
Not only are there challenges in their way, but the vizier’s men are also in pursuit. And while Tarid has possible destinations in mind, they can’t be sure of receiving help for would any neighbours want to cross the vizier? Tarid’s proportions and the mule’s obstinacy present obstacles as well—not as serious as others in their way but whose consequences can be that. The story follows their extraordinary adventures as they go to great lengths and take various risks to save their precious cargo.
The Library Mule of Cordoba was great fun to read while also keeping at its heart the issue of preserving books and knowledge, often victim to radicals and dictators, and consequently lost for ever. Our little group of adventurers, particularly Tarid, would do anything to save the volumes he has managed to get out of the library and indeed they do, facing hunger and thirst (since setting out at the last minute means they have neither food/water nor money) and rough terrain with a mule that’s not only difficult to move but also develops a real taste for one of these precious volumes in particular, which she’d be glad to get a bite of!
As they travel avoiding or trying to avoid various dangers including having to cross rivers or climb up rocky paths without losing the books, we also learn their various stories. How Tarid and Lubna as educated slaves ended up as scribes/copyists in the library (a possibility at the time), Tarid climbing further up the ranks. We also see how our thief, Marwan started off as apprentice in the library and ended up a thief on the streets, only to return to Cordoba with very different motives before he finds himself part of the book-rescuing quest.
While the story told here is fictional, the historical characters and background are true and the incidents which set off our adventure (the burning of books) may or may not have taken place in real life, with there being only a few scattered references. There is a lovely map and timeline at the start explaining the setting and a historical note at the end which gives us not only a background of how these kingdoms were established, dating back to the successors of the prophet but also the historical events around which our adventure is woven. The last few pages preceding the historical note also specifically bring up instances where libraries or books have been destroyed at various points in history (from Mayan codices to as recently as Baghdad in 2007) also raising the question of present-day threats.
The book uses both pictures and words to tell the story and some scenes including at the opening are in pictures alone, left to the reader to understand/interpret. The artwork uses the full colour palette but in muted/soft shades with ‘flashbacks’ depicted in monochrome or with a limited palette.
The mule may be stubborn and our characters might think her the worst mule in the world, but she is very much a part of our band, and curse her all they may, they grow to care for her too!
For images and a real life library burro, stop by at my blog: https://potpourri2015.wordpress.com/2...
May 23, 2025
***SPOILERS HIDDEN***
In 10th century Spain, a eunuch, an enslaved woman on the run, and the eunuch's former apprentice try to save as many library books as possible from a public book burning. The title of this graphic novel is misleading, as the "library mule" is nameless and merely transportation for these books, not the center of the story.
The story is high on action, as the four characters don't have a journey so much as an adventure, and the art captures motion and facial expression well. The Library Mule of Córdoba is repetitive, though, with panels showing the teetering pile of books tumbling off the mule again and again every few pages, along with the resultant gathering and restacking by the frustrated travelers. To break up the linearity, flesh out the plot, and maybe lessen the feeling of repetition, the author did insert some weak backstory for the eunuch and . These scenes add some color but no meaning.
Through everything, the cute mule's impassive demeanor and often-sour facial expressions comment on occurrences. If she could roll her eyes she would. Overall, though, her portrayal is uncreative, defined by the mule cliché of stubbornness, and she's definitely a commodity, not an animal friend to the three humans. The story would have been improved if she were a friend with a strong personality, maybe some comic relief and a lovably entertaining obstacle on the journey.
The human characters also could have been better. The eunuch and enslaved woman are likable, but the author portrayed the former apprentice confusingly: In many scenes he's a harmless dimwit, but he enters the story as an unrepentant thief. He's helpful but also impulsive in a way that puts them in danger. Most startlingly, The scene is unexpected, oddly independent of the rest of the story—and, astoundingly, trivial. The woman is depicted as unfailingly brave and confident, gaining the upper-hand in this scene despite being in a highly vulnerable state, and then coolly and quickly moving on, proving that the author . That the woman never references it (whether outright in speech or even through some tormented facial expressions) makes it a cheap insertion; is merely another plot-enlivener.
The author could argue that the scene exists for historical accuracy In the end, the woman's portrayal is incomplete when it deserved to be rich and thought-provoking. The author erased the reality of her marginalized status and the danger, fear, and pain that naturally accompany that status.
This is a newer graphic novel, created as a response to current book-banning, yet it offers no powerful commentary on that. The intention is good, but these characters could have been transporting anything. The Library Mule of Córdoba has beautiful illustrations by Léonard Chemineau and teaches some history, but I picked this up because I thought it was about a cute animal, with some human characters on the side. It's not that, and unfortunately it's mostly a collection of minuses: a lackluster plot, repetitive scenes, an under-developed mule character, and an .
The author's decision to plot this as a realistic fiction is partially to blame. The mule is carrying a precariously balanced mountain of books lamely held together by a few ropes. It's obviously silly, so it clashes with an otherwise rigid, sometimes dark, plot set against a brutal historical backdrop. The magical realism genre could have accommodated that kind of suspension of disbelief and also allowed for the mule to be more of a character.
In 10th century Spain, a eunuch, an enslaved woman on the run, and the eunuch's former apprentice try to save as many library books as possible from a public book burning. The title of this graphic novel is misleading, as the "library mule" is nameless and merely transportation for these books, not the center of the story.
The story is high on action, as the four characters don't have a journey so much as an adventure, and the art captures motion and facial expression well. The Library Mule of Córdoba is repetitive, though, with panels showing the teetering pile of books tumbling off the mule again and again every few pages, along with the resultant gathering and restacking by the frustrated travelers. To break up the linearity, flesh out the plot, and maybe lessen the feeling of repetition, the author did insert some weak backstory for the eunuch and . These scenes add some color but no meaning.
Through everything, the cute mule's impassive demeanor and often-sour facial expressions comment on occurrences. If she could roll her eyes she would. Overall, though, her portrayal is uncreative, defined by the mule cliché of stubbornness, and she's definitely a commodity, not an animal friend to the three humans. The story would have been improved if she were a friend with a strong personality, maybe some comic relief and a lovably entertaining obstacle on the journey.
The human characters also could have been better. The eunuch and enslaved woman are likable, but the author portrayed the former apprentice confusingly: In many scenes he's a harmless dimwit, but he enters the story as an unrepentant thief. He's helpful but also impulsive in a way that puts them in danger. Most startlingly, The scene is unexpected, oddly independent of the rest of the story—and, astoundingly, trivial. The woman is depicted as unfailingly brave and confident, gaining the upper-hand in this scene despite being in a highly vulnerable state, and then coolly and quickly moving on, proving that the author . That the woman never references it (whether outright in speech or even through some tormented facial expressions) makes it a cheap insertion; is merely another plot-enlivener.
The author could argue that the scene exists for historical accuracy In the end, the woman's portrayal is incomplete when it deserved to be rich and thought-provoking. The author erased the reality of her marginalized status and the danger, fear, and pain that naturally accompany that status.
This is a newer graphic novel, created as a response to current book-banning, yet it offers no powerful commentary on that. The intention is good, but these characters could have been transporting anything. The Library Mule of Córdoba has beautiful illustrations by Léonard Chemineau and teaches some history, but I picked this up because I thought it was about a cute animal, with some human characters on the side. It's not that, and unfortunately it's mostly a collection of minuses: a lackluster plot, repetitive scenes, an under-developed mule character, and an .
The author's decision to plot this as a realistic fiction is partially to blame. The mule is carrying a precariously balanced mountain of books lamely held together by a few ropes. It's obviously silly, so it clashes with an otherwise rigid, sometimes dark, plot set against a brutal historical backdrop. The magical realism genre could have accommodated that kind of suspension of disbelief and also allowed for the mule to be more of a character.
Read
March 5, 2025LA BIBLIOMULA DE CÓRDOBA es una aventura que transcurre en el apogeo de Al-Andalus: tres personajes muy diferentes tienen que emprender una huida por el interior de la Península Ibérica para tratar de salvar de la quema el puñado de libros que puede transportar una mula.
Más allá de la aventura, que es entretenidísima y tiene la estructura de una road movie andalusí, esta obra es una profunda y pertinente reflexión sobre el poder de los libros y el valor de la cultura. Este trío de fugitivos alocados nos recuerda que la cultura es un bien precioso digno de preservar y cuyo acceso hay que garantizar y defender.
La obra funciona como un alegato del poder salvador de los libros (de las bibliotecas, de la cultura) y como un recordatorio de que un pueblo que no valora el conocimiento es un pueblo condenado.
Lupino y Chemineau destacan a la hora de hacer una obra trepidante y originalísima que no rehuye de su interés pedagógico y, casi, moralizante.
Más allá de la aventura, que es entretenidísima y tiene la estructura de una road movie andalusí, esta obra es una profunda y pertinente reflexión sobre el poder de los libros y el valor de la cultura. Este trío de fugitivos alocados nos recuerda que la cultura es un bien precioso digno de preservar y cuyo acceso hay que garantizar y defender.
La obra funciona como un alegato del poder salvador de los libros (de las bibliotecas, de la cultura) y como un recordatorio de que un pueblo que no valora el conocimiento es un pueblo condenado.
Lupino y Chemineau destacan a la hora de hacer una obra trepidante y originalísima que no rehuye de su interés pedagógico y, casi, moralizante.
September 10, 2022
Tu me mets des livres, Lupano, de l'humour, des personnages improbables et un contexte que je ne connais pas du tout (Cordoue au 10e siècle), et je suis gagnée d'avance. Le court document à la fin est aussi hyper intéressant. C'est fou comment on n'apprend qu'une partie de l'histoire!
January 2, 2022
Cette bande-dessinée est un véritable coup de coeur!
Inspiré de faits historiques réels, ce livre dénonce l'obscurantisme qui hélas traverse les siècles.
L'histoire se déroule à Cordoue au Xème siècle. Le califat est à son apogée. Le calife al-Hakam II suit les traces de son père en faisant de cette ville une capitale du savoir, des sciences et de la culture. Il meurt prématurément laissant un fils bien trop jeune pour pouvoir régner. Amir, un vizir, profite de la crédulité du jeune calife pour prendre le pouvoir. Il a de nombreux alliés, dont notamment des religieux mécontents par les deux derniers souverains qui plaçaient le savoir avant la religion.
Tarid, un esclave bibliothécaire, entend par hasard une conversation annonçant la destruction des livres de la grande bibliothèque de Cordoue. Aidé de Lubna une esclave copiste, il décide de sauver un maximum de livres en les chargeant sur une mule récalcitrante. Ils sont rejoints par Morwan, son ancien apprenti, et fuient Cordoue.
De là commence une traversée épique du Califat, avec Tarid qui place la culture au-dessus de tout, Morwan qui cherche une certaine rédemption, Lubna qui temporise et enfin une mule à fort caractère et qui supporte une charge bien trop lourde pour ses frêles épaules. Des épreuves de toutes sortes ne manquent pas.
Cette histoire est magnifique. Elle est idéalement servie par des planches aux couleurs éclatantes, des dialogues soignés imprégnés d'humour et des personnages très attachants.
Les auteurs ont également souligné les côtés historiques avec des pages sur l'autodafé et la montée du pouvoir religieux.
Le livre en lui même est superbe avec sa couverture bleue et dorée et la tranche en bleue.
Ce livre est un bijou !
Inspiré de faits historiques réels, ce livre dénonce l'obscurantisme qui hélas traverse les siècles.
L'histoire se déroule à Cordoue au Xème siècle. Le califat est à son apogée. Le calife al-Hakam II suit les traces de son père en faisant de cette ville une capitale du savoir, des sciences et de la culture. Il meurt prématurément laissant un fils bien trop jeune pour pouvoir régner. Amir, un vizir, profite de la crédulité du jeune calife pour prendre le pouvoir. Il a de nombreux alliés, dont notamment des religieux mécontents par les deux derniers souverains qui plaçaient le savoir avant la religion.
Tarid, un esclave bibliothécaire, entend par hasard une conversation annonçant la destruction des livres de la grande bibliothèque de Cordoue. Aidé de Lubna une esclave copiste, il décide de sauver un maximum de livres en les chargeant sur une mule récalcitrante. Ils sont rejoints par Morwan, son ancien apprenti, et fuient Cordoue.
De là commence une traversée épique du Califat, avec Tarid qui place la culture au-dessus de tout, Morwan qui cherche une certaine rédemption, Lubna qui temporise et enfin une mule à fort caractère et qui supporte une charge bien trop lourde pour ses frêles épaules. Des épreuves de toutes sortes ne manquent pas.
Cette histoire est magnifique. Elle est idéalement servie par des planches aux couleurs éclatantes, des dialogues soignés imprégnés d'humour et des personnages très attachants.
Les auteurs ont également souligné les côtés historiques avec des pages sur l'autodafé et la montée du pouvoir religieux.
Le livre en lui même est superbe avec sa couverture bleue et dorée et la tranche en bleue.
Ce livre est un bijou !
February 16, 2023
Excelente historia y gran trabajo de divulgacion. Cuanto tenemos que aprender sobre aquella epoca en nuestro pais
July 5, 2025
Wilfrid Lupano to jeden z moich ulubionych komiksiarzy, zawsze wybiera sobie tematy dotyczące równości, praw człowieka, sprawiedliwości społecznej. Tak jest też w tym komiksie, chociaż jest to przemycane subtelnie i symbolicznie - przyczyną całej przygody jest niezgoda bohaterów na czystki planowane przez religijnych fanatyków w jednym z największych księgozbiorów świata średniowiecznego - bibliotece kordobiańskiej. To stara jak świat historia o paleniu książek przez władców reżimów, dzięki czemu łatwiej jest przejąć kontrolę nad ludem i zindoktrynować społeczeństwo tak, żeby nie poddawało ideologii i polityki władzy w wątpliwość. To też komiks z prawdziwym tłem historycznym, więc poznamy dzieje kalifatu Al-Andalus i kulisy średniowiecznej polityki na południowych krańcach Europy, a także zyskamy świeże spojrzenie na kulturę arabską i to co jej zawdzięczamy.
Ale dla mnie najważniejsze w tym komiksie jest to, że to po prostu doskonale wymyślona i opowiedziana historia. Trochę film drogi, trochę opowieść łotrzykowska, akcja jest dynamiczna i wciągająca, bohaterowie charakterni, a do tego jest przezabawnie.
Chemineau świetnie zrealizował graficznie pomysł Lupano, rysunki skrzą się życiem, co chwilę dzieje się na nich coś ciekawego, wyskakują niespodzianki i idealnie oddają humorystyczny charakter opowieści.
Uwielbiam książki, przy których mogę się dobrze bawić, a przy okazji czegoś nauczyć. Polecanko mocne!
Ale dla mnie najważniejsze w tym komiksie jest to, że to po prostu doskonale wymyślona i opowiedziana historia. Trochę film drogi, trochę opowieść łotrzykowska, akcja jest dynamiczna i wciągająca, bohaterowie charakterni, a do tego jest przezabawnie.
Chemineau świetnie zrealizował graficznie pomysł Lupano, rysunki skrzą się życiem, co chwilę dzieje się na nich coś ciekawego, wyskakują niespodzianki i idealnie oddają humorystyczny charakter opowieści.
Uwielbiam książki, przy których mogę się dobrze bawić, a przy okazji czegoś nauczyć. Polecanko mocne!
March 6, 2023
Une excellente lecture. Non seulement l'intrigue est passionnante, mais elle est servie par la qualité du dessin. Je trouve le travail sur la couleur et la lumière absolument génial.
Dans La Bibliomule de Cordoue, un scribe, une esclave lettrée et un voleur tentent de sauver des manuscrits inestimables d'un autodafé commandité par un vizir assoiffé de pouvoir. On suit leur Odyssée à travers l'Espagne, à la recherche d'une terre d'accueil pour ces ouvrages. La mule est têtue, les personnages sont attachants et le message transmis est efficace.
Dans La Bibliomule de Cordoue, un scribe, une esclave lettrée et un voleur tentent de sauver des manuscrits inestimables d'un autodafé commandité par un vizir assoiffé de pouvoir. On suit leur Odyssée à travers l'Espagne, à la recherche d'une terre d'accueil pour ces ouvrages. La mule est têtue, les personnages sont attachants et le message transmis est efficace.
April 24, 2024
Takie powieści graniczne lubię najbardziej! Piękna kreska i historyczno/kulturowe tło.
December 15, 2024
Una historia sobre el poder de la literatura y el conocimiento. Una crítica al oscurantismo que nos traen las religiones a lo largo de la historia.
Pero además…
Una edición preciosa.
Un trío de personajes bien definidos, entrañables y memorables.
Un contexto histórico bien desarrollado y perfectamente plasmado.
Vaya placer descubrir esta joya.
Pero además…
Una edición preciosa.
Un trío de personajes bien definidos, entrañables y memorables.
Un contexto histórico bien desarrollado y perfectamente plasmado.
Vaya placer descubrir esta joya.
October 20, 2024
Una novela gráfica exquisita y muy cuidada. Me ha encantado! La recomiendo.
March 21, 2023
"Das Buchmaultier von Córdoba" ist nicht nur eine abenteuerlicher Geschichte mit schönen Zeichnungen und ansprechendem Humor, sondern eine Ode an das gesammelte Wissen und das geschriebene Worte.
Wilfrid Lupano und Léonard Chemineau positionieren sich gegen die egozentrischen und destruktiven Mächte, die in der Menschheitsgeschichte gewütet haben und weiterhin toben; und präsentieren eine herzliche, emotionale Erzählung über Gemeinschaft, Vermächtnis und Mut. Unterhaltung mit Mehrwert.
Wilfrid Lupano und Léonard Chemineau positionieren sich gegen die egozentrischen und destruktiven Mächte, die in der Menschheitsgeschichte gewütet haben und weiterhin toben; und präsentieren eine herzliche, emotionale Erzählung über Gemeinschaft, Vermächtnis und Mut. Unterhaltung mit Mehrwert.
October 24, 2022
Fin du Xe siècle à Cordoue. Le calife al-Hakam II meurt, mais son fils n’a que onze ans, trop jeune pour prendre le pouvoir. La richesse culturelle et artistique entretenue par son père et son grand-père va être balayée par le vizir Amir, qui juge nombre de ces œuvres hérétiques. Il organise un grand autodafé. C’est bien évidemment insoutenable pour Tarid, l’eunuque bibliothécaire qui s’occupe de ces livres depuis ces années, et pour Lubna, jeune femme esclave mais éduquée, qui copie les manuscrits. Ils vont tenter de sauver le plus grand nombre de livres possible. Mais comment s’évader en transportant tous ces volumes ? Surtout comment les transporter à pied ?
C’est là qu’arrive Marwan, un ancien apprenti de Tarid, devenu voleur mais souhaitant se repentir. Enchainement de quiproquos, il est assommé et sa vieille mule rétive va devenir…. La bibliomule !
S’enchainent des aventures dignes d’un récit picaresque, alliant humour et contexte historique, par le biais notamment de retours en arrière dans la vie des personnages.
Le format, le volume (épais !), les couleurs en font un conte des Mille et une nuits plaisant à dévorer, le sourire aux lèvres, qui montre que depuis toujours le savoir et la culture sont en danger, jusqu’à une conclusion bien moderne qui questionne l’avenir du livre.
La postface signée d’un directeur de recherche au CNRS apporte un éclairage historique précis pour qui souhaiterait en savoir plus.
Cette BD offre plusieurs niveaux de lecture, ce qui la rend accessible à tout âge (à partir de 10 ans à mon sens) même si la densité historique la rend plus complexe. Mais chacun peut y trouver son bonheur.
Le prix, certes élevé, est justifié par le nombre de pages et la qualité de l’édition (tranchefile, signet ruban, tranche teintée bleue). Du bel ouvrage que Tarid aurait sauvé sur sa bibliomule !
C’est là qu’arrive Marwan, un ancien apprenti de Tarid, devenu voleur mais souhaitant se repentir. Enchainement de quiproquos, il est assommé et sa vieille mule rétive va devenir…. La bibliomule !
S’enchainent des aventures dignes d’un récit picaresque, alliant humour et contexte historique, par le biais notamment de retours en arrière dans la vie des personnages.
Le format, le volume (épais !), les couleurs en font un conte des Mille et une nuits plaisant à dévorer, le sourire aux lèvres, qui montre que depuis toujours le savoir et la culture sont en danger, jusqu’à une conclusion bien moderne qui questionne l’avenir du livre.
La postface signée d’un directeur de recherche au CNRS apporte un éclairage historique précis pour qui souhaiterait en savoir plus.
Cette BD offre plusieurs niveaux de lecture, ce qui la rend accessible à tout âge (à partir de 10 ans à mon sens) même si la densité historique la rend plus complexe. Mais chacun peut y trouver son bonheur.
Le prix, certes élevé, est justifié par le nombre de pages et la qualité de l’édition (tranchefile, signet ruban, tranche teintée bleue). Du bel ouvrage que Tarid aurait sauvé sur sa bibliomule !
January 22, 2023
In het Nederlands heet deze strip De Boekenezel van Córdoba en hij is echt goed geschreven. De tekeningen zijn van Chemineau en het is een iets andere stijl dan ik gewend ben, maar het ziet er vlot en aangenaam getekend uit, met bepaalde karikaturale trekken die mij erg aantrokken. Ook de inkleuring is goed geslaagd, zeker als je kijkt naar de verschillen tussen het heden en de flashbacks.
Dit verhaal gaat in het bijzonder over de Grote Bibliotheek van Córdoba, die een jaar of duizend geleden moedwillig is opgebrand door een stel religieuze fanatici, maar een paar figuren besluiten om een handvol boeken te redden en ermee op de vlucht te gaan (een van hen dik tegen z'n goesting, dat wel). Maar in het algemeen is het verhaal duidelijk een algehele aanklacht tegen religieus-politieke bewindvoerders door de eeuwen heen, die besloten hebben dat kennis - en zeker kennis die hen niet aansprak - iets was dat je beter kunt vernietigen, voor irritante mensen wat te kritisch worden. Dat wordt met name op het einde duidelijk.
Doorheen het verhaal is dat maar met mate zichtbaar, al zijn er een paar plaatsen waar het duidelijker wordt. Maar meestal gaat het daar gewoon om de de lotgevallen van de drie hoofdpersonages plus hun koppige steenezel (een echte, geen figuurlijke), die net zoals de meesten onder ons een bloedhekel schijnt te hebben aan wiskunde en daarom de onhebbelijkheid heeft een van de belangrijkste mathematische teksten aller tijden, van de hand van Al-Chwarizmi, op te willen vreten. Je moet er maar op komen. Lachen gegarandeerd. Op die manier - en met nog andere scènes - weten de makers een mooi evenwicht te vinden tussen een serieus onderwerp en humor.
Knap werk!
8,3/10
Dit verhaal gaat in het bijzonder over de Grote Bibliotheek van Córdoba, die een jaar of duizend geleden moedwillig is opgebrand door een stel religieuze fanatici, maar een paar figuren besluiten om een handvol boeken te redden en ermee op de vlucht te gaan (een van hen dik tegen z'n goesting, dat wel). Maar in het algemeen is het verhaal duidelijk een algehele aanklacht tegen religieus-politieke bewindvoerders door de eeuwen heen, die besloten hebben dat kennis - en zeker kennis die hen niet aansprak - iets was dat je beter kunt vernietigen, voor irritante mensen wat te kritisch worden. Dat wordt met name op het einde duidelijk.
Doorheen het verhaal is dat maar met mate zichtbaar, al zijn er een paar plaatsen waar het duidelijker wordt. Maar meestal gaat het daar gewoon om de de lotgevallen van de drie hoofdpersonages plus hun koppige steenezel (een echte, geen figuurlijke), die net zoals de meesten onder ons een bloedhekel schijnt te hebben aan wiskunde en daarom de onhebbelijkheid heeft een van de belangrijkste mathematische teksten aller tijden, van de hand van Al-Chwarizmi, op te willen vreten. Je moet er maar op komen. Lachen gegarandeerd. Op die manier - en met nog andere scènes - weten de makers een mooi evenwicht te vinden tussen een serieus onderwerp en humor.
Knap werk!
8,3/10
November 16, 2025
Depuis l’invention de l’écriture, l’obscurantisme quel que soit la forme qu’il prend s’est toujours attaqué à la connaissance, car elle émancipe, et donc aux livres qui en sont le récipient. La bonne nouvelle est qu’ils n’y sont a priori pas parvenus – Trump est en train de faire une nouvelle tentative. Cette histoire, comme beaucoup d’autres donc le plus connu reste certainement le Fahrenheit 451 de Ray Bradbury, raconte la révolte contre la destruction des livres.
Bien que voir une flamme s’approcher d’un livre me donne des sueurs froides, je n’ai pas été séduit par l’histoire. La narration est dans le canon des grands classiques de la BD. Un groupe de héros – ou plutôt des antihéros – qui n’ont aucune chance de s’entendre et encore moins de réussir vont se lancer à corps perdu dans l’aventure. J’ai malheureusement perdu depuis longtemps ma naïveté d’enfant et j’ai trouvé cette aventure trop longue et ses rebondissements trop attendus.
Les dessins sont à la hauteur. Dans ce style classique, ils sont un régal pour les yeux et donnent envie d’aller faire un tour du côté du sud de l’Espagne pour visiter l’Alhambra. Il y a du travail et de grande qualité, j’en veux pour preuve l’excellente notice qui figure en fin d’ouvrage et qui donne des éléments sur cette ville qui était à cette époque la capitale européenne de la culture.
Également publié sur mon blog.
Bien que voir une flamme s’approcher d’un livre me donne des sueurs froides, je n’ai pas été séduit par l’histoire. La narration est dans le canon des grands classiques de la BD. Un groupe de héros – ou plutôt des antihéros – qui n’ont aucune chance de s’entendre et encore moins de réussir vont se lancer à corps perdu dans l’aventure. J’ai malheureusement perdu depuis longtemps ma naïveté d’enfant et j’ai trouvé cette aventure trop longue et ses rebondissements trop attendus.
Les dessins sont à la hauteur. Dans ce style classique, ils sont un régal pour les yeux et donnent envie d’aller faire un tour du côté du sud de l’Espagne pour visiter l’Alhambra. Il y a du travail et de grande qualité, j’en veux pour preuve l’excellente notice qui figure en fin d’ouvrage et qui donne des éléments sur cette ville qui était à cette époque la capitale européenne de la culture.
Également publié sur mon blog.
August 19, 2022
La bibliomule de Cordoue est une bande dessinée formidable qui nous parle de l’importance des savoirs, de l’amour des livres, d’instruction comme outil de paix et d’émancipation et, bien sûr, d’obscurantisme. Avec son aventure touchante et rocambolesque, elle offre une lecture très agréable tout en proposant une belle plongée dans l’histoire du califat d’Al-Andalus et des trésors que la bibliothèque de Cordoue recelait.
Critique complète sur yuyine.be!
Critique complète sur yuyine.be!
May 20, 2025
The book is beautiful, the landscapes and ancient mosques and cities are just drawn so wonderfully. It is a bit cute which takes the edge off some of the darker themes in the story. A good message, spreading knowledge and literature around is important. I love my library so much. Check this out at your local library, check out some random stuff you may not have thought of and tell a friend about what you read.
May 20, 2024
Bardzo sympatyczna historia, z mocnym historycznym umocowaniem. Z pozoru zabawna i lekka opowieść, a w tle refleksja nad naszym kulturowym i naukowym dziedzictwem, rozdźwiękiem między nauką, a wiarą i tym jak łatwo zaprzepaszczamy wysiłek poprzednich pokoleń. Grafika przyjazna, całość dosyć uniwersalna, jeśli chodzi o grupę docelową. Poleca się
November 29, 2021
Inspiré d'une histoire vraie, cette aventure touchante comporte néanmoins quelques longueurs mais remet la force des livres et de la transmission du savoir au coeur de son propos.
December 15, 2022
On m'a conseillée ce roman graphique et ... J'ai beaucoup aimé !
Je ne connaissais pas du tout la partie de l'Histoire, les faits etc
Bref, très enrichissante 👍
Je ne connaissais pas du tout la partie de l'Histoire, les faits etc
Bref, très enrichissante 👍
July 6, 2025
Se trata de un cómic excelente.
La historia está ambientada en el califato de Córdiba en año 976 de la era común (o el 365 del Islám). Tras la muerte de Alakén II el califa es su hijo, Hiskam II, apenas un niño de once años, por lo que las riendas del califato las lleva Almanzor. Éste está empeñado en emprender campañas militares para ampliar el poder del califato. Con este fin, se alía con los líderes religiosos lo que le lleva a querer destruir la biblioteca de Córdoba, para hacer desaparecer los libros contrarios al Corán (una práctica desgraciadamente común en muchos momentos de la historia, por muchas religiones y regímenes autoritarios).
La biblioteca de Córdoba es una de las joyas del saber musulmán. Fundada por Abderramán III (abuelo de Hiskam II) y ampliada por su hijo, Alhakén II, contiene cientos de miles de libros entre originales, copias y traducciones, muchos de ellos únicos; su destrucción será una pérdida irreparable.
Tarid es un esclavo eunuco, un erudito que ha dedicado su vida a la biblioteca. La idea de su destrucción le es inaceptable, así que reúne cuantos libros puede llevar para intentar ponerlos a salvo. Por diversas circunstancias se unen a él Lubna, una esclava copista de la biblioteca; Marwan, un ladronzuelo y buscavidas de poca monta; y la mula de éste, un animal terco, testarudo y difícil. Los cuatro van a emprender un difícil viaje a través de Al Andalus huyendo de los soldados de Almanzor que han partido en su busca.
El cómic es extraordinario por muchos motivos. El primero, la época y ambientación, un periodo interesante en la historia de la península con personajes que son descritos como lo que son: los habitantes propios de esa tierra, no los invasores que, a menudo, se nos ha contado en la escuela.
La historia es emocionante y el cómic la narra con fluidez y humor, con ocasionales digresiones y recuerdos que ayudan a poner en contexto tanto la historia como el pasado de unos protagonistas que resultan tiernos y con los que es fácil empatizar.
Es notable también el dibujo: un dibujo engañosamente fácil y sencillo, de líneas limpias que resulta enormemente expresivo. Es notable también el uso del color, su empleo de colores planos y paletas simples que saben marcar y diferenciar eventos y escenas. En ocasiones el estilo del dibujo cambia: trazos bruscos y colores apagados en oscuros episodios oníricos, colores vivos y dibujos que imitan las miniaturas de los libros cuando Tarid habla de ellos...
En resumen, un cómic excelente que merece mucho la pena leer.
La historia está ambientada en el califato de Córdiba en año 976 de la era común (o el 365 del Islám). Tras la muerte de Alakén II el califa es su hijo, Hiskam II, apenas un niño de once años, por lo que las riendas del califato las lleva Almanzor. Éste está empeñado en emprender campañas militares para ampliar el poder del califato. Con este fin, se alía con los líderes religiosos lo que le lleva a querer destruir la biblioteca de Córdoba, para hacer desaparecer los libros contrarios al Corán (una práctica desgraciadamente común en muchos momentos de la historia, por muchas religiones y regímenes autoritarios).
La biblioteca de Córdoba es una de las joyas del saber musulmán. Fundada por Abderramán III (abuelo de Hiskam II) y ampliada por su hijo, Alhakén II, contiene cientos de miles de libros entre originales, copias y traducciones, muchos de ellos únicos; su destrucción será una pérdida irreparable.
Tarid es un esclavo eunuco, un erudito que ha dedicado su vida a la biblioteca. La idea de su destrucción le es inaceptable, así que reúne cuantos libros puede llevar para intentar ponerlos a salvo. Por diversas circunstancias se unen a él Lubna, una esclava copista de la biblioteca; Marwan, un ladronzuelo y buscavidas de poca monta; y la mula de éste, un animal terco, testarudo y difícil. Los cuatro van a emprender un difícil viaje a través de Al Andalus huyendo de los soldados de Almanzor que han partido en su busca.
El cómic es extraordinario por muchos motivos. El primero, la época y ambientación, un periodo interesante en la historia de la península con personajes que son descritos como lo que son: los habitantes propios de esa tierra, no los invasores que, a menudo, se nos ha contado en la escuela.
La historia es emocionante y el cómic la narra con fluidez y humor, con ocasionales digresiones y recuerdos que ayudan a poner en contexto tanto la historia como el pasado de unos protagonistas que resultan tiernos y con los que es fácil empatizar.
Es notable también el dibujo: un dibujo engañosamente fácil y sencillo, de líneas limpias que resulta enormemente expresivo. Es notable también el uso del color, su empleo de colores planos y paletas simples que saben marcar y diferenciar eventos y escenas. En ocasiones el estilo del dibujo cambia: trazos bruscos y colores apagados en oscuros episodios oníricos, colores vivos y dibujos que imitan las miniaturas de los libros cuando Tarid habla de ellos...
En resumen, un cómic excelente que merece mucho la pena leer.
January 3, 2025
I am SO glad I chose this as the first book to read this year. This book has everything any book lover loves. A beautifully illustrated graphic novel inspired by the real tragic event of burning 400,000 books from the library of Cordoba, the Capital of Al-Andalus caliphate. This evocative story tells us the history of early caliphates’ take on knowledge. Some caliphs encouraged knowledge and didn’t care where it came from. But some zealotic caliphs saw any new idea as a threat to the old order of the religion.
We have seen this atrocities throughout our history ranging from burning the libraries of Nalanda , Alexandria , Spanish inquisitions , burning of Mayan Codices till the destruction of the library of Bagdad by American bombing. Power and Religion sees knowledge as a threat always. But only knowledge has elevated humanity so far.
In this book the main characters of the story a stubborn old mule, petty thief and an educated eunuch and a slave girl try so hard to save some of the books from getting burned. A very evocative story. Also, the book educates us about the early caliphates like Ummaids, Fatimids , Abbasids and also the history of Caliphate of Al-Andalus aka Cordoba. Also, the book talks about the contributions by Islamic scholars such as Al-Khwarizmi , Al-Jahiz and Ibn Fimas in the field of Mathematics, Medicine , Zoology , Botany, Science and even early understanding of aviation .
I thoroughly enjoyed the debates and conversations between the main characters during their exodus to save a few books. They talk about the practicality of knowledge and how fear makes the underprivileged to prioritize survival over acquisition of knowledge. Make sure you read the Afterword. The author ends the book with a chilling notion. Of course, the book burning days are over. But in this digital world we are still at the risk of knowledge being erased, manipulated and denied to many by a few as they own the majority of the digital repository.
Post Script: A very sad but a surprising fact. Out of the presumed 400,000 books that got incinerated, only one book was ever found in 1936 in Fez, Morocco.
We have seen this atrocities throughout our history ranging from burning the libraries of Nalanda , Alexandria , Spanish inquisitions , burning of Mayan Codices till the destruction of the library of Bagdad by American bombing. Power and Religion sees knowledge as a threat always. But only knowledge has elevated humanity so far.
In this book the main characters of the story a stubborn old mule, petty thief and an educated eunuch and a slave girl try so hard to save some of the books from getting burned. A very evocative story. Also, the book educates us about the early caliphates like Ummaids, Fatimids , Abbasids and also the history of Caliphate of Al-Andalus aka Cordoba. Also, the book talks about the contributions by Islamic scholars such as Al-Khwarizmi , Al-Jahiz and Ibn Fimas in the field of Mathematics, Medicine , Zoology , Botany, Science and even early understanding of aviation .
I thoroughly enjoyed the debates and conversations between the main characters during their exodus to save a few books. They talk about the practicality of knowledge and how fear makes the underprivileged to prioritize survival over acquisition of knowledge. Make sure you read the Afterword. The author ends the book with a chilling notion. Of course, the book burning days are over. But in this digital world we are still at the risk of knowledge being erased, manipulated and denied to many by a few as they own the majority of the digital repository.
Post Script: A very sad but a surprising fact. Out of the presumed 400,000 books that got incinerated, only one book was ever found in 1936 in Fez, Morocco.
April 10, 2025
85%
"If it weren't for the weight of the books, the reader's spirit would fly away!"
Historical fiction story about the burning of the Library of Cordoba at the end of the 10th century. I didn't even know this event happened, nevertheless that it rivalled the burning of the Library of Alexandria.
The final spread is especially poignant and relevant, and I so wish I could find an image of it to link here.
"The so-called 'free' men and women that we've met actually spend their lives being afraid. Afraid of being hungry or cold, afraid of being robbed or killed by raiders, a capricious lord, or an army on the march. Their thoughts are occupied with fear. Fear of tomorrow, fear of the next day, fear of others. To be able to think, the mind must be free and at peace. As long as men live like frightened beasts, scrambling to survive, coveting the wealth of their neighbors and fearing the sword of strangers, it is difficult for them to see the beauty in poetry or take interest in science."
"If it weren't for the weight of the books, the reader's spirit would fly away!"
Historical fiction story about the burning of the Library of Cordoba at the end of the 10th century. I didn't even know this event happened, nevertheless that it rivalled the burning of the Library of Alexandria.
The final spread is especially poignant and relevant, and I so wish I could find an image of it to link here.
"The so-called 'free' men and women that we've met actually spend their lives being afraid. Afraid of being hungry or cold, afraid of being robbed or killed by raiders, a capricious lord, or an army on the march. Their thoughts are occupied with fear. Fear of tomorrow, fear of the next day, fear of others. To be able to think, the mind must be free and at peace. As long as men live like frightened beasts, scrambling to survive, coveting the wealth of their neighbors and fearing the sword of strangers, it is difficult for them to see the beauty in poetry or take interest in science."
April 21, 2024
«—Creo que os estáis precipitando. A lo mejor el humo es de otra cosa. No sabemos qué es.
—Lo sabemos perfectamente: es una abominacion. El fin de un sueño».
Cuando terminas de leer el comic te da la sensación de que ha sido una anécdota en la Historia. Parte real, habla de la destrucción de la biblioteca de Córdoba y parte ficción siguiendo los intentos de los tres protagonistas por salvar algunos de esos libros.
—Lo sabemos perfectamente: es una abominacion. El fin de un sueño».
Cuando terminas de leer el comic te da la sensación de que ha sido una anécdota en la Historia. Parte real, habla de la destrucción de la biblioteca de Córdoba y parte ficción siguiendo los intentos de los tres protagonistas por salvar algunos de esos libros.
December 28, 2023
Très intéressant. J’ai appris beaucoup sur cette période de l’histoire. C’est si triste que les livres aient été brûlés à travers le temps au nom des religions, de la politique ou des guerres…
May 12, 2024
excellent
February 11, 2025
4.2* - Een grappig novel over hoe er vanuit politiek-religieuze hoek censuur wordt toegepast op wetenschappelijk werk, werk dat te kritisch want te theoretisch is? Die bovendien nog spannend is? En een periode weet te belichten waarover ik (de schaamte!) bitter weinig wist? Dat is mijn kopje thee! En of het gesmaakt heeft. Leeslijstmateriaal!
August 19, 2024
Wonderful
December 13, 2024
Art and story are fun / “good enough”, but this gets an extra star for the setting. Can not overstate how much I want more graphic novels about al-Andalus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews