The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson

[rainbowchaser]

There was just a review of the book on Fresh Air. It tells of Edwin Rist's theft of exotic bird skins from the British museum and the efforts to recover them. It sounds interesting enough to check the library for. The main outline of the story has been posted here before but it still sounded interesting.

[Byron haugh]

A fellow tier recommends the book. Does sound interesting.

[ScottP]

I was doing some field work in central MT last week and came across a treasure trove of numerous waterfowl that had met their demise in ill-timed attempts to cross the road

An ex-coot



I was seriously tempted to harvest some excellent fly-tying materials until my friend advised me that was probably illegal and definitely dangerous; not worth becoming another live speed bump on the highway.

Regards,
Scott

[melk]

I heard that interview on "Fresh Air" and also last Friday there was a piece on a local NPR station. I think it was Fly Tyer that had a review of sorts just recently. I think I'll get the book.
Mike

[Mato Kuwapi]

Read it. It's an excellent read, whether you tie flies or not. It will also give tiers a lot to think about. I remember Edwin from my days on the classic fly tying web sites. I also remember the shock when he was arrested. It was a hard book to put down. All I have to say is, READ IT!!

[Byron haugh]

Also reading the book. So far, it is interesting and well written

[rainbowchaser]

If anyone is interested in learning more without reading the book (which I enjoyed) the theft will be the subject of THIS AMERICAN LIFE on NPR this week.