Thieves of Book Row: New York's Most Notorious Rare Book Ring and the Man Who Stopped It by Travis McDade

This book, fondly reminiscent of old-style writing I started out reading, with its old-time sleuth style, turned out to be quite an interesting treat to romance.

I still remember when book buyers were warned about not buying books where the copyright page was missing, and other similar markers to identify stolen books; warnings that eluded me in the day it was still being cautioned. Thieves of Book Row cleared this up; elucidating a historical perspective on why and how this caution was advised. Very nicely done.

I also found intriguing, following how books became "so" valuable. Interestingly enough, particularly considering today's technology climate where a book's version isn't given much consideration, it was fascinating to read how important a book's edition could be. "...don't know a First Edition of Robinson Crusoe from a last edition of the Telephone Directory." - Hilarious!

Ironically, most fascinating was seeing how all of this underground activity increased the value of certain books. Now that has to be one serious ring!

I loved this little moody book.