Title
The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century,Used
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As heard on NPRs This American Life?bsorbing . . . Though its nonfiction, The Feather Thief contains many of the elements of a classic thriller.?Maureen Corrigan, NPR? Fresh Air?ne of the most peculiar and memorable truecrime books ever.?Christian Science MonitorA 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 Londons 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 Edwins 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 Darwins, Alfred Russel Wallace, whod 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 mans relentless pursuit of justice, The Feather Thief is also a fascinating exploration of obsession, and mans destructive instinct to harvest the beauty of nature.
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- Q: What is the page count of The Feather Thief? A: The book has three hundred twenty pages. This length provides a thorough exploration of the true-crime narrative and its themes.
- Q: What are the dimensions of The Feather Thief? A: The book measures six point three inches in length, one point one inches in width, and nine point three inches in height. These dimensions make it a handy size for reading.
- Q: What type of binding does The Feather Thief have? A: The Feather Thief features a hardcover binding. This durable format is ideal for readers who want a lasting addition to their collection.
- Q: Who is the author of The Feather Thief? A: The author is Kirk Wallace Johnson. He is known for his engaging storytelling and meticulous research in true crime.
- Q: What genre does The Feather Thief belong to? A: The Feather Thief is categorized as true crime. It delves into a fascinating real-life heist in the world of ornithological collections.
- Q: How should I approach reading The Feather Thief? A: Readers can enjoy it at their own pace, ideally suited for mature audiences interested in true crime and nature. It's captivating for anyone intrigued by obsession and crime.
- Q: Is The Feather Thief suitable for young readers? A: No, it's not particularly suitable for young readers. The book explores complex themes of obsession and crime that may not resonate with children.
- Q: How can I best enjoy The Feather Thief? A: Reading it in a quiet environment enhances the experience. Engaging with the narrative allows for a deeper understanding of the author's exploration of obsession.
- Q: What should I be aware of regarding the book's themes? A: The Feather Thief tackles themes of obsession and ethical dilemmas in nature. Readers should consider these aspects while exploring the narrative.
- Q: How do I keep The Feather Thief in good condition? A: Store it upright on a shelf away from direct sunlight. Keeping it in a dry place will preserve the integrity of the hardcover.
- Q: Are there any special care instructions for The Feather Thief? A: No special care instructions are needed. However, avoid exposing it to moisture to maintain the quality of the pages and binding.
- Q: What if my copy of The Feather Thief arrives damaged? A: Contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most retailers have policies in place for damaged items.
- Q: Is there a warranty for The Feather Thief? A: No, books typically do not come with warranties. However, check with the retailer for their return policy.
- Q: Can I find similar books to The Feather Thief? A: Yes, readers might enjoy titles like The Orchid Thief or The Stranger in the Woods. These books share themes of obsession and nature.
- Q: Is The Feather Thief a good choice for true crime enthusiasts? A: Yes, it's an excellent choice. The book combines a thrilling narrative with deep insights into human obsession and crime.
- Q: What makes The Feather Thief unique among true crime books? A: Its focus on a bizarre heist involving bird specimens sets it apart. The narrative blends elements of adventure and exploration of obsession.