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The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession

The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession

by Michael Finkel

4.3 (6024 ratings)
Arts Photography

Published

June 27, 2023

Pages

242 pages

Language

English

Publisher

Vintage

Available Formats & Prices

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Kindle

$12.99

Hardcover

$16.19

Paperback

$15.59

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About This Book

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • One of the most remarkable true-crime narratives of the twenty-first century • “ The Art Thief , like its title character, has confidence, élan, and a great sense of timing." — The New Yorker A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, The New Yorker, Lit Hub "Enthralling." — The Wall Street Journal Stéphane Bréitwieser is the most prolific art thief of all time. He pulled off more than 200 heists, often in crowded museums in broad daylight. His girlfriend served as his accomplice.

His collection was worth an estimated $2 billion. He never sold a piece, displaying his stolen art in his attic bedroom. He felt like a king.

Until everything came to a shocking end. In this spellbinding portrait of obsession and flawed genius, Michael Finkel gives us one of the most remarkable true-crime narratives of our times, a riveting story of art, theft, love, and an insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost.

Introduction

In the heart of Europe's elite art circles, deception and passion meld in "The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession." This gripping narrative takes readers deep into the clandestine world of art theft, where the allure of masterpieces can lead to perilous choices. As the story unfolds, you are drawn into a realm where love and ambition blur the lines of morality, testing the boundaries of one man's dangerous fixation.

Key Takeaways

Explore the complex relationship between art and human obsession which can lead to dangerous consequences. An intricate true story that delves into the blurred lines between love and crime. Reveals the dark corners of the art world where deception thrives and allure compels.

Detailed Description

Dive into a world where art is both a treasure and a temptation where the boundaries between right and wrong are constantly tested. "The Art Thief" reveals a captivating narrative that takes you through the corridors of ambition and moral ambiguity. In the pursuit of his desires the protagonist is drawn into the world of art theft propelled by a passion that soon turns into an obsession.

As the stakes rise so does the tension painting a portrait of a life spiraling out of control. Readers are lured into a tale of intrigue exploring the personal and ethical dilemmas faced by those who walk the fine line between admiration and possession. This true story enthralls with its intricate examination of where love art and crime intersect.

As the drama unfolds it prompts reflection on the nature of beauty and the convoluted pathways of the human heart. The narrative captures the essence of a world in which art captivates and ensnares with an almost dangerous allure. This immersive tale compels readers to question the cost of ambition and the powerful grip of obsession that drives individuals to risk everything for the masterpieces they covet.

Standout Features

This book stands out for its vivid depiction of the art world offering an immersive journey into a realm often shielded from public view Its compelling blend of true crime and human psychology ensures a powerful narrative keeping readers lingering at the edge of their seats The deeply human exploration of obsession and love challenges one to rethink personal values making "The Art Thief" an unforgettable read.

Book Details

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Specifications

Pages:242 pages
Language:English
Published:June 27, 2023
Publisher:Vintage
Authors:Michael Finkel

Rating

4.3

Based on 6024 ratings

Customer Reviews

Well written, researched, based on historical facts

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Janet Goktepe
September 1, 2024

I greatly enjoyed reading this book, so well researched and prepared over a decade of fact finding and interviews. The author tried to remain neutral despite the shocking and repulsive behavior of the characters in the book. It is the story of a very spoiled, selfish, narcissist enabled by his mother, maternal grandparents, and girlfriend. His mother and girlfriend were complicit in his actions. No moral compass until caught by law enforcement, but even then the thief seemed arrogant and expressed no regret!

It was well-written, but…

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julie a. smith
September 7, 2024

The topic of art heists is fascinating, but I found the last third of it disturbing.

great non-fiction read

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Terry K Long
September 4, 2024

Intriguing, educational, and sad all at the same time. I don’t usually go for non-fiction but this book has me hooked.

Art Thief

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John Berry
March 24, 2024

I purchased this book from Amazon based on their recommendation. The author wrote the book with narrative through out that explains what happened after arrests are made. I believe Mr. Finkel did an excellent job leading the reader into Breitwieser's gradual lust for stealing art. I really can't imagine how he ever thought this would end of well. Then again, I don't think he really cared. Personally, I believe he had a thirst for the excitement of stealing and since he loved/studied art why not. Breitwieser had worked for a short time as a security guard at a small museum and learned security or good security is not affordable for these size museums. He of course took full advantage of this knowledge. After a bit, one theft became many and the reader may get a little fatigued reading about all of them. The detail is amazing on each theft. It seems Breitwieser has a fantastic memory with one description relayed by the author as him telling about each screw being removed to obtain a piece of art. So as I'm starting to think about skipping a few paragraphs, my attention is completely swept up by his capture. The story takes many an interesting twist and turn which had my full attention. All in all a very entertaining book. Buy it!

This is an excelenty written work of insanity.

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Surreal
July 15, 2024

It was well written and reseached...amazing insanity on all the participants.

An engaging read

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JLH
August 16, 2024

This book was amusing and shocking all at the same time. People that steal art objects are not a singular group of people - motives are as varied as the people that steal them. This particular thief, having a truly selfish love of the objects, was particularly entertaining and extremely well read and informed about his thefts. And he was innovative and adept at his thievery skills. It was also a game to steal and a challenge. The author, getting information straight from the thief himself, made the story even more intriguing. This book is very entertaining read.

Great Book

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KatieMa
September 15, 2024

I like non-fiction that reads as fiction. I read this book in one day because it was so fascinating. The writing made me feel I was there when he took the art, and if it was fiction, I would say no way could they get away with that. Museums are places I love to visit when we travel, and I can see wanting quiet and space to appreciate the pieces. But I have trouble making the jump to him, thinking he should just take them. Great book.

Spellbinding

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Thomas Sarsen
August 9, 2023

In the riveting world of true crime literature, few tales are as spellbinding as "The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession". From the very first page, the reader is transported into a world of passion, intrigue, and high-stakes deception. This isn't just a book; it's an odyssey that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the lengths people will go for love and obsession. The narrative is as exquisitely crafted as the artworks it chronicles. The author masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, shedding light on the often shadowy underworld of art theft, where fortunes change hands in the blink of an eye and trust is as rare as a genuine Rembrandt. The characters are intricate and multi-dimensional, transcending the typical archetypes of criminals and victims. The interplay of their motivations – from love to greed, ambition to revenge – paints a vivid picture of humanity in all its flawed beauty. The love story at the heart of this saga is as mesmerizing as any of the stolen masterpieces. It reminds us that beneath the veneer of crime lies a tale as old as time: the pursuit of connection and understanding. It's a poignant reminder that love, in all its forms, can drive us to extremes, both noble and nefarious. The pacing is impeccable. Each chapter brings with it a new revelation, a twist, or a deeper insight, making it nigh impossible to put down. The balance between the meticulous details of the art world and the raw emotions of the characters is nothing short of masterful. But beyond the captivating story and the poetic prose, "The Art Thief" also raises profound questions about the value we place on art and the lengths we'll go to possess it. Is it the monetary value that drives this obsession, or is it something deeper, more primal? The book challenges us to reflect on the role of art in our lives and the price we're willing to pay for beauty. In conclusion, "The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession" is a tour de force, a masterpiece in its own right. It's a tale that lingers long after the final page, urging us to look beyond the surface and find the stories hidden in the shadows. An absolute must-read for anyone who loves art, mysteries, or the complexities of the human heart.