The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk Wallace Johnson

Unlock the Secret Behind Nature’s Most Bizarre Heist

Step into the shadowy world of feathers, fly tying, and obsession with The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. This gripping true-crime narrative unveils the astonishing 2009 heist of irreplaceable bird specimens from the British Museum of Natural History’s Tring outpost. Masterminded by Edwin Rist—a twenty-year-old American flautist and champion salmon fly-tier—this audacious theft entwines passion, greed, and the relentless pursuit of beauty.

Rich with historical intrigue and the thrill of the chase, the book reveals how these rare and vividly plumed bird skins, collected by figures like Alfred Russel Wallace, became coveted treasures in the niche world of Victorian salmon fly-tying enthusiasts. Follow Johnson’s immersive years-long investigation into the crime, brimming with tales of obsession and mankind’s uneasy relationship with nature’s wonders.

Perfect for fans of fly tying, birding enthusiasts, or true-crime aficionados, The Feather Thief blends adventure with an eye-opening exploration of beauty, ethics, and the lengths humans will go to possess a piece of the sublime. Add this masterpiece to your collection today—because no fly-tier should miss the incredible true story behind the feathers they admire.