In this compelling historical narrative, Antoine Massoud delves into the heart of the Islamic Golden Age's most celebrated intellectual center, the House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikmah). The book moves beyond the well-documented scholarly achievements to uncover the hidden human stories of struggle, sacrifice, and sorrow that were the 'salt and tears' of this vibrant era. It explores the personal costs of knowledge, the political intrigues, and the eventual decline of a beacon of civilization, offering a poignant perspective on a pivotal period in history.