The Art Thief

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel is a captivating, true-crime narrative that delves into the mind of the world’s most prolific art thief, Stéphane Breitwieser. This breathtaking non-fiction account transports readers into a whirlwind of high-stakes heists, audacious escapades, and the relentless pursuit of beauty.

For almost a decade, Breitwieser, armed with an extraordinary appreciation for fine art and an uncanny ability to outwit security systems, orchestrated over 200 heists across Europe. Accompanied by his girlfriend, who meticulously acted as his lookout, he successfully pilfered more than 300 priceless artefacts from museums and cathedrals. These were no ordinary thefts, but masterfully executed operations showcasing Breitwieser's unrivalled finesse and daring audacity.

Finkel meticulously chronicles Breitwieser's rise to infamy, detailing his almost pathological obsession with art collection and his insatiable need to defy the odds. Despite repeated pleas from his accomplice girlfriend to cease their criminal activities, Breitwieser's hubris led him to one final, fateful heist that brought his unlawful exploits to a sensational conclusion.

The Art Thief is more than just a recount of crimes. It is a spellbinding portrait of obsession, compulsion, and the flaws of a brilliant, yet morally conflicted individual. Finkel’s storytelling is vivid, capturing the dramatic sequences of thefts and the psychological underpinnings of Breitwieser's compulsion. Each page unravels new layers of this astonishing true story, making it an irresistible page-turner.

This riveting narrative offers readers a front-row seat to the world of art crime, unveiling the delicate balance between genius and madness, and the lengths one man went to possess beauty at any cost. The result is a daringly thrilling and almost fantastical account that is hard to believe is true.

The Art Thief has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including being a #1 New York Times bestseller and shortlisted for The ALCS Gold Dagger Award for Non-Fiction. Critics have praised the book for its gripping and enthralling storytelling:

'A breath-taking read, as compelling as a Highsmith novel. I loved it' - Maggie O'Farrell

'Brilliant… A thrilling heist caper along the lines of Ocean’s Eleven' - Sunday Times

‘Gripping' - Observer

‘Thrilling’ - Economist

'Enthralling' - The Wall Street Journal

‘A thrilling read’ - The New Yorker

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, The New Yorker, Lit Hub

From its compelling plot to its intricate portrayal of a master thief’s psyche, The Art Thief is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the allure of art, the mechanics of crime, and the fine line between brilliance and madness.