Ubalblog

[  Mood: Sleepy ]
[  Currently: Watching Sherlock ]

Author Allison Hoover Bartlett stumbled across the story of John Charles Gilkey, a rare book thief who spent years steeling books from dealers across North America. Gilkey is not a sympathetic figure. A career criminal from a dishonest family who routinely steal from each other, he seems to think that he is owed a good life. A collection of rare books is a symbol of that good life. It does not matter that the collection is funded by stolen credit cards and bad cheques. In fact, Gilkey even views some of his thefts as revenge for slights the various bookstores have given him. Slights such as keeping him on hold too long.

Through looking at Gilkey’s past, crimes and escapades, Bartlett also gives us a look at the rare book business, what makes a book rare, what makes it collectible. She also introduces us to the people who collect books and who sell them. We meet people with obsessions just as strong as Gilkey’s, but who stay on the right of the law. Most interesting among them is Ken Sanders, the rare book dealer who has made it his life’s mission to hunt down people like Gilkey and get them behind bars. She also gives a brief history of rare books and rare book thieves.

Bartlett also finds herself pulled into her story as Gilkey begins to look upon her as his confessor, if not biographer. He seems to crave the attention she gives him and at the same time desires her to chronicle his "accomplishments".

A good book that was enjoyable to listen to as an audio book.