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Book Review of The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession

hardtack avatar reviewed on + 2700 more book reviews


An enthalling story of a man who steals books, the rare book seller who tracks him down and the author who interviewed both of them for her book.

If you love books, you'll enjoy this one. Not only is the crime story captivating, but the author also interjects information about how to judge the real value of a book. For example, as the "book man" at our local hospice resale store, I've looked over a couple of donated early copies of "Gone With the Wind." At least one was listed as a first edition. Turns out, there were many "first editions," but now I know how to identify the real one.

Plus, after studying how the "man who loved books" committed his crimes by stealing tens of thousands of dollars in rare books, I can't wait for the next time I go to a major city so I can practice his techniques! :-)