66 pages • 2 hours read
Kirk Wallace JohnsonThe Feather Thief
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson recounts the 2009 heist at the British Natural History Museum at Tring, executed by the 20-year-old American flautist and fly-tier Edwin Rist, who stole 299 rare bird skins. Johnson, dealing with PTSD, started investigating to cope, uncovering the historical, cultural, and scientific implications of the crime and humankind's obsession with feathers. The book includes discussions of PTSD and mental health diagnoses.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson offers an engaging true-crime narrative that blends history, science, and mystery. Many readers commend its meticulous research and compelling storytelling. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the author's personal asides distracting. Overall, it excels as a unique and intriguing exploration of an unusual heist.
Who Should Read The Feather Thief?
A reader who enjoys gripping true-crime stories, historical heists, and tales of obsession will find The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson captivating. Fans of Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief and John Berendt's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil will appreciate the blend of meticulous research and compelling narrative.