The London Book Fair 2026 is one of the publishing world’s most anticipated global gatherings, bringing together authors, publishers, agents, and book lovers from across the globe. Known for spotlighting fresh voices, emerging trends, and international storytelling, the fair is where books spark conversations, deals are born, and stories find new life beyond borders—making it a true celebration of the power and reach of the written word.
We’re beyond thrilled to share that this book is officially being showcased at the 2026 London Book Fair, one of the world’s most exciting meeting places for stories, ideas, and publishing dreams. From buzzing aisles to curious readers and industry tastemakers, this is where books step into the global spotlight—and this one is ready to shine.
Having “Big Green Circles in the Desert: My Work on the Kufrah-Sarir Agricultural Project in Libya” by James Cobb displayed by Citi of Books in London feels like a celebration of every page and dream poured into its creation. It’s more than a milestone; it’s a moment of joy, pride, and possibility.
“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” That famous line by Amelia Earhart feels especially fitting when opening the pages of “Big Green Circles in the Desert: My Work on the Kufrah-Sarir Agricultural Project in Libya” by James Cobb. This captivating memoir will be among the titles showcased at The London Book Fair 2026, inviting visitors to discover a real-life story that blends exploration, science, and personal transformation. From the moment readers step into James C. Cobb’s world, they are transported to the blazing sands of North Africa, where opportunity, risk, and curiosity collide in unforgettable ways.
The story begins in 1974 in Beirut, during a fascinating yet fragile moment in the city’s history. Cobb accepts a position with Foster & Associates, a geophysical consulting firm, and soon finds himself navigating a world filled with colorful expatriates, political tensions, and surprising encounters. His observations of Beirut’s vibrant culture, along with glimpses of the forces that would soon push Lebanon toward civil war, read like a time capsule from a turning point in global history. Before long, Cobb’s journey continues into Libya, where the landscape shifts dramatically from bustling city life to the vast and unpredictable Sahara.
Some of the most gripping moments come from Cobb’s work on the Kufrah–Sarir agricultural project in Libya. Readers experience the intensity of desert exploration as he and his driver become lost during a crossing, stranded without food or water in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. Yet alongside these tense moments are scenes of connection and camaraderie. Cobb works with colleagues from Yugoslavia, Pakistan, and Libya, sharing meals, stories, and the daily challenges of living and working in the desert. These experiences reveal something universal about human resilience and cooperation.
Ultimately, “Big Green Circles in the Desert: My Work on the Kufrah-Sarir Agricultural Project in Libya” is more than a memoir about science or travel. It is a story about saying yes to an unexpected path and discovering how profoundly it can shape a life. As the book makes its appearance at The London Book Fair 2026, readers and visitors alike will have the chance to encounter a narrative filled with danger, discovery, humor, and reflection. For anyone fascinated by adventure, global cultures, and the real stories behind ambitious projects in remote places, this is one title worth stopping for at the fair.
