Books › Arts & Photography › Business of Art

Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures

Name: Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures
Price: 22.57 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (1071 reviews)

4.3 of 5 Stars: Business of Art - Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures

1,071

$22.57

Buying Options

Description

Book Synopsis: The Wall Street Journal called him “a living legend.” The London Times dubbed him “the most famous art detective in the world.” In Priceless, Robert K. Wittman, the founder of the FBI’s Art Crime Team, pulls back the curtain on his remarkable career for the first time, offering a real-life international thriller to rival The Thomas Crown Affair. Rising from humble roots as the son of an antique dealer, Wittman built a twenty-year career that was nothing short of extraordinary. He went undercover, usually unarmed, to catch art thieves, scammers, and black market traders in Paris and Philadelphia, Rio and Santa Fe, Miami and Madrid. In this page-turning memoir, Wittman fascinates with the stories behind his recoveries of priceless art and antiquities: The golden armor of an ancient Peruvian warrior king. The Rodin sculpture that inspired the Impressionist movement. The headdress Geronimo wore at his final Pow-Wow. The rare Civil War battle flag carried into battle by one of the nation’s first African-American regiments. The breadth of Wittman’s exploits is unmatched: He traveled the world to rescue paintings by Rockwell and Rembrandt, Pissarro, Monet and Picasso, often working undercover overseas at the whim of foreign governments. Closer to home, he recovered an original copy of the Bill of Rights and cracked the scam that rocked the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. By the FBI’s accounting, Wittman saved hundreds of millions of dollars worth of art and antiquities. He says the statistic isn’t important. After all, who’s to say what is worth more --a Rembrandt self-portrait or an American flag carried into battle? They're both priceless. The art thieves and scammers Wittman caught run the gamut from rich to poor, smart to foolish, organized criminals to desperate loners. The smuggler who brought him a looted 6th-century treasure turned out to be a high-ranking diplomat. The appraiser who stole countless heirlooms from war heroes’ descendants was a slick, aristocratic con man. The museum janitor who made off with locks of George Washington's hair just wanted to make a few extra bucks, figuring no one would miss what he’d filched. In his final case, Wittman called on every bit of knowledge and experience in his arsenal to take on his greatest challenge: working undercover to track the vicious criminals behind what might be the most audacious art theft of all.

Details

Unlock the hidden world of priceless treasures with "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures". Embark on an exhilarating journey as you dive into the secret operations of an undercover treasure hunter. This gripping memoir will transport you to the most dangerous corners of the world, following the author's daring missions to recover stolen artifacts. From ancient relics to famous artworks, this book will unveil the thrilling world of treasure recovery and the lengths one man went to protect our history.

Immerse yourself in a compelling mix of adventure, mystery, and suspense with "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures". As you turn the pages of this captivating memoir, you'll be captivated by the author's incredible real-life experiences, as he shares heart-stopping encounters with international art thieves and dangerous criminal networks. Discover the strategies, risks, and triumphs behind the recovery of some of the world's most cherished treasures, and gain an insight into the complex world of art crime. This is a must-read for history enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and anyone who loves a gripping tale.

Prepare to be enthralled by "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures". This extraordinary memoir takes you on a whirlwind adventure through the shadows of the black market, exposing the dark underbelly of the art world. From the author's clandestine investigations to heart-pumping recoveries, this book offers a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of stolen treasures. With every turn of the page, you'll be mesmerized by the author's courage, ingenuity, and unwavering determination to protect our cultural heritage.

Get ready to be transported into a world of intrigue and danger with "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures". This spellbinding memoir chronicles the astonishing exploits of an undercover treasure hunter who risked it all to save our history. From the secret auctions of stolen artifacts to the heart-racing recoveries, this book is a thrilling account of one man's battle against the illicit trade of precious treasures. Embark on this extraordinary journey today and experience the adrenaline rush of a real-life treasure hunt.

Do you dare to enter the thrilling world of stolen treasures? "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures" takes you on an unforgettable adventure through the underbelly of the art underworld. Uncover the secrets behind the illicit trade, follow heart-pounding undercover operations, and witness firsthand the pulse-pounding moments of triumph. Brace yourself for a suspenseful and eye-opening ride as you delve into the world of a true treasure hunter. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of an exhilarating mission to protect our heritage. Click here to embark on the journey!

See All Buying Options...

More Details...