For centuries, Baghdad's Mutanabbi Street was a zenith for book lovers, boasting titles from all corners of the world. But on a quiet summer afternoon, traces of that rich history appeared to be fading, and booksellers like Hussein Ali, whose wares were spread across the pavement, bemoaned depleting sales as readers increasingly opt for online copies. "I've only sold five books since the morning. Previously, I used to sell more than 50," explains the Iraqi man. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES