The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century

The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century cover
Good Books rating 4.25
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  • ID: 2623
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
fascinating 4.00

The Feather Thief is a fascinating exploration of a bizarre crime and the eccentric characters involved. It delves into the world of Victorian lepidopterists and the obsession with rare bird feathers.

The Feather Thief tells the story of a heist that involved stealing rare bird skins from a museum. The book is a mix of true crime, history, and natural science, making it a unique and engaging read. The author does an excellent job of weaving together the different threads of the story, from the criminal investigation to the historical context of the theft. The characters are intriguing, and the narrative is compelling, making it a book that is hard to put down. However, some readers might find the detailed descriptions of the feathers and the technical aspects of taxidermy a bit dry. Overall, it's a book that will appeal to anyone interested in true crime, history, or natural science.


Quick quotes

    The theft was bizarre and audacious, involving the theft of rare bird skins from a museum.

    The book is a fascinating exploration of the world of Victorian lepidopterists and their obsession with rare feathers.

    The author does an excellent job of weaving together the different threads of the story.

nytimes.com · Unknown · 2018-06-01
excellent 4.50

The Feather Thief is a captivating true crime story that delves into the bizarre heist of rare bird feathers from a museum. The book is praised for its vivid storytelling and the author's meticulous research, which brings to light the obsession and beauty that surround natural history.

The Feather Thief tells the extraordinary tale of a young fly-tying enthusiast who stole rare bird specimens from the Natural History Museum in Tring, England. The book is lauded for its engaging narrative and the author's ability to weave together the themes of beauty, obsession, and crime. Readers are drawn into the intricate details of the heist and the subsequent investigation, which highlights the eccentric world of fly-tying and the lengths to which some individuals will go to pursue their passions. The author's deep dive into the historical context and the personal stories involved makes this book a compelling read for those interested in true crime and natural history.


Quick quotes

    The events recounted in Green’s swift, unsparing book are as timely as ever.

    Green has fashioned a thriller out of the incident and its outcome.

    This sterling true crime account from Edgar winner Green plunges readers into the gritty landscape of 1980s New York City.