## "The Feather Thief" - Summary
Imagine a crime so bizarre, so audacious, that it seems ripped from the pages of a quirky heist movie. This is the true story at the heart of "The Feather Thief," where author Kirk Wallace Johnson unravels the mystery of Edwin Rist, a young musical prodigy who, in 2009, orchestrated an unbelievable heist at the esteemed Natural History Museum at Tring, England. His target? Not priceless jewels or ancient artifacts, but the irreplaceable, vividly-colored feathers of some of the world's rarest birds. Johnson's investigation takes readers on a captivating journey, diving deep into the clandestine world of Victorian salmon fly-tying, a world where obsession burns bright and the feathers of extinct birds are the ultimate prize.
### Key Ideas:
**1. The Allure of Obsession:** "The Feather Thief" offers a compelling look at the dark side of passion. Edwin Rist, initially portrayed as a musical genius, becomes consumed by his obsession with the craft of salmon fly-tying, a historically significant, intricate art form requiring exotic feathers. His desire for the perfect feather, for the rarest materials, pushes him to justify a shocking crime, highlighting the fine line between dedication and destructive obsession.
**2. The Value of Natural History:** Johnson skillfully illuminates the often-overlooked significance of natural history collections. The feathers stolen by Rist weren't merely decorative; they represented invaluable scientific data, painstakingly collected over centuries. Their loss impacts our understanding of evolution, biodiversity, and the devastating effects of human actions on the natural world.
**3. The Underground World of Fly-Tying:** Johnson introduces readers to the fascinating, hidden community of Victorian salmon fly-tying. He reveals a world of intricate patterns, specialized techniques, and a hierarchy built on the rarity and beauty of feathers. This exploration sheds light on the motivations behind Rist’s actions and the ethical dilemmas inherent in a craft that prizes materials derived from endangered and extinct species.
### FAQs:
* **Is this book just about birds?** While birds and their feathers are central to the narrative, "The Feather Thief" extends far beyond ornithology. It's a captivating blend of true crime, history, and a touch of obsession, delving into the psychology of collecting, the allure of the past, and the consequences of unchecked desire.
* **Is the book suitable for readers who don't know much about fly-fishing or fly-tying?** Absolutely. Johnson masterfully explains the intricacies of salmon fly-tying, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the practice. He provides sufficient historical context and detailed descriptions to engage readers, regardless of their prior knowledge.
* **Did Edwin Rist ever face justice for his crime?** This question lies at the heart of the book's suspense. Without spoiling the ending, Johnson diligently follows the trail of the stolen feathers and explores the legal ramifications of Rist's actions, leaving readers to ponder questions of justice, redemption, and the complexities of the human spirit.
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