Title
The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, And The Natural History Heist Of The Century,New
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
As heard on NPR's This American Life?Absorbing . . . Though it's nonfiction, The Feather Thief contains many of the elements of a classic thriller.? Maureen Corrigan, NPR?s Fresh Air?One of the most peculiar and memorable truecrime books ever.? Christian Science MonitorFrom the author of The Fishermen and the Dragon, a rollicking truecrime adventure and a captivating journey into an underground world of fanatical flytiers and plume peddlers, for readers of The Stranger in the Woods, The Lost City of Z, and The Orchid Thief.On a cool June evening in 2009, after performing a concert at London's Royal Academy of Music, twentyyearold American flautist Edwin Rist boarded a train for a suburban outpost of the British Museum of Natural History. Home to one of the largest ornithological collections in the world, the Tring museum was full of rare bird specimens whose gorgeous feathers were worth staggering amounts of money to the men who shared Edwin's obsession: the Victorian art of salmon flytying. Once inside the museum, the champion flytier grabbed hundreds of bird skinssome collected 150 years earlier by a contemporary of Darwin's, Alfred Russel Wallace, who'd risked everything to gather themand escaped into the darkness.Two years later, Kirk Wallace Johnson was waist high in a river in northern New Mexico when his flyfishing guide told him about the heist. He was soon consumed by the strange case of the feather thief. What would possess a person to steal dead birds? Had Edwin paid the price for his crime? What became of the missing skins? In his search for answers, Johnson was catapulted into a yearslong, worldwide investigation. The gripping story of a bizarre and shocking crime, and one man's relentless pursuit of justice, The Feather Thief is also a fascinating exploration of obsession, and man's destructive instinct to harvest the beauty of nature.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has three hundred thirty-six pages. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of the themes and characters.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Q: Who is the author of The Feather Thief? A: The author is Kirk Wallace Johnson. He is known for his captivating storytelling and investigative narratives.
- Q: What age group is this book suitable for? A: The book is suitable for adults and older teens. Its themes of true crime and obsession may not be appropriate for younger readers.
- Q: Is this book based on a true story? A: Yes, it is based on a true story. The Feather Thief recounts a real-life heist involving rare bird specimens.
- Q: What genre does The Feather Thief belong to? A: The Feather Thief belongs to the true crime genre. It combines elements of adventure and investigation.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: Can this book be read by beginners in true crime? A: Yes, beginners can read this book. Its engaging narrative style makes it accessible for new readers.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact customer support for a replacement. Most retailers have a return policy for damaged items.
- Q: Is there any hazardous material in this book? A: No, there are no hazardous materials in this book. It is made from standard paper and ink.
- Q: What themes are explored in The Feather Thief? A: The themes include obsession, theft, and the beauty of nature. The narrative delves into the motivations behind the crime.
- Q: What is the size of the book? A: The book measures five point five one inches by eight point four three inches. This size makes it portable for reading on the go.
- Q: Is there a glossary or index in the book? A: No, there is no glossary or index. The narrative flows continuously without these features.
- Q: What makes The Feather Thief a unique read? A: It combines true crime with an exploration of obsession in the world of fly-tying. This unique approach sets it apart from typical crime narratives.
- Q: Are there any illustrations or photos in the book? A: No, there are no illustrations or photos. The story relies on descriptive writing to engage the reader's imagination.
- Q: How can I ensure the book lasts a long time? A: Avoid bending the cover and keep it away from moisture. Regularly dusting the book can also help maintain its condition.