diff --git a/src/calibre/library/cli.py b/src/calibre/library/cli.py
index 43b7fa1573..3b1358b1b3 100644
--- a/src/calibre/library/cli.py
+++ b/src/calibre/library/cli.py
@@ -1172,7 +1172,7 @@ class BackupProgress(object):
         else:
             self.count += 1
             prints(u'%.1f%% %s - %s'%((self.count*100)/float(self.total),
-                book_id, mi.title))
+                book_id, getattr(mi, 'title', 'Unknown')))
 
 def command_backup_metadata(args, dbpath):
     parser = backup_metadata_option_parser()