The Hunt For Zerzura

In his third series for The Essay, composer Erland Cooper turns his attention once again to the mythical world. This time he embarks on five imaginary journeys to cities. Accompanying him are writers, academics and storytellers who know all about these legendary locations. Each episode is scored by Erland's own music.

In this episode, Erland journies deep into the heart of the Sahara’s Great Sand Sea - one of the most inhospitable landscapes on Earth - to uncover the mystery of Zerzura, a legendary desert oasis said to be filled with enchanted treasure. But as explorer and author Robert Twigger explains, the search for this "lost" city has always been about more than just literal gold.

Singing sands recorded by Professor Trevor Cox

Reader: Molly Gromadzki
Producer: Victoria Ferran
Exec producer: Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 3