colleenFL -
Helpful Score: 10
Who would steal an old book? I don't read many true crime books, but the subject matter of this one caught my interest. I love books and I was quite interested to see what could make someone steal so many rare volumes. The author, Allison Hoover Bartlett, a journalist, paints a picture of a man who is obsessed with having the trappings of âthe good life.â He sees a library of expensive, rare volumes as something to show off, something that will give the appearance of wealth and culture and make people admire him.
The book thief, John Charles Gilkey, allowed Bartlett to interview him about his crimes multiple times, over a period of years, in prison and out. He has served time for passing bad checks and for credit card fraud. He told Bartlett of his system for purchasing the books from book dealers with worthless checks or stolen credit card numbers.
Ken Sanders is the book dealer that served as the security chair for the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA). The position involved collecting information on book thefts and disseminating it to ABAA members. He believed that several rare books thefts were related and dubbed the thief the âNorthern California Credit Card Thief.â
Bartlett details the thefts by Gilkey and the chase by Sanders that took place over years. The perseverance of Sanders was evidently key to linking Gilkey to many thefts. The author also includes information on rare book collecting and the prices some books command at auction. I particularly liked the bit about the fore-edge painting.
I found this book a thoroughly enjoyable read and an intriguing look at rare book theft. It is clearly written and well organized. I appreciated that Bartlett gave enough background for an understanding of the people and events involved but doesn't go overboard with it. She skillfully portrays Gilkey's obsession with rare books and Sanders' quest to stop the thief. The historical details about other rare book collectors and thieves helped fit the story into the wider domain of rare book collecting. Bartlett's engaging style of writing made this a fast read. Once I got into the story, the pages flew by and I quickly reached the end of the book. I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys reading about true crime or book collecting.
The book thief, John Charles Gilkey, allowed Bartlett to interview him about his crimes multiple times, over a period of years, in prison and out. He has served time for passing bad checks and for credit card fraud. He told Bartlett of his system for purchasing the books from book dealers with worthless checks or stolen credit card numbers.
Ken Sanders is the book dealer that served as the security chair for the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA). The position involved collecting information on book thefts and disseminating it to ABAA members. He believed that several rare books thefts were related and dubbed the thief the âNorthern California Credit Card Thief.â
Bartlett details the thefts by Gilkey and the chase by Sanders that took place over years. The perseverance of Sanders was evidently key to linking Gilkey to many thefts. The author also includes information on rare book collecting and the prices some books command at auction. I particularly liked the bit about the fore-edge painting.
I found this book a thoroughly enjoyable read and an intriguing look at rare book theft. It is clearly written and well organized. I appreciated that Bartlett gave enough background for an understanding of the people and events involved but doesn't go overboard with it. She skillfully portrays Gilkey's obsession with rare books and Sanders' quest to stop the thief. The historical details about other rare book collectors and thieves helped fit the story into the wider domain of rare book collecting. Bartlett's engaging style of writing made this a fast read. Once I got into the story, the pages flew by and I quickly reached the end of the book. I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys reading about true crime or book collecting.
Catherine L. reviewed The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession on + 65 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Very intersting. I never would have thought that book theft was such a wide spread crime.
Nada A. reviewed The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession on + 1389 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
As an avid reader, I was intrigued by simply the title of the book. This book is a fascinating look at the business of rare books - the collectors, the sellers, and the intrigue. The overview is presented through the story of one book thief - John Gilkey - and one bookseller - Ken Sanders. I enjoyed this book on many levels. First of all, I enjoyed the story which is essentially the story of a criminal and the man who brought him to justice. Second, interspersed throughout the book are vignettes about other famous book collections and collectors. These were as interesting to me as the main story itself. Third, the author in telling the story becomes a part of it. I could relate to her descriptions of the fascination of book collecting. Finally, the author touches on the issue of the pleasure of working with and reading a physical book as opposed to the electronic book readers. I read both and think that something artistic and valuable will be lost if we completely lose the printed word.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession on + 1726 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Well, this was a pretty good read, I had hoped for abit more information and details but that just wasn't the case. The story was a good one but just seem to lack that wow factor that you look for. Great information on the ease of stealing rare books and the lack of prosecution for the crime. After 5 years, books yours and you can't be tried. Just amazing that no one in the ABAA hasn't taken matters into their own hands.
