This book tells the story of Arthur Barry, a man who became a legend in his own time as a skilled con artist and one of the most charming jewel thieves of the 20th century. Born in Canada in 1897, Barry moved to the United States at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a smooth talker and a master of deception. He was able to charm his way into the homes of some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the country, including members of the royal family and well-known figures such as the Prince of Wales and Harry Houdini.
As the story unfolds, we see Barry execute some of the most audacious heists of the 1920s, stealing diamonds, pearls, and other gems worth almost $60 million today. His victims included a Rockefeller, an heiress to the Woolworth department store fortune, an oil magnate, Wall Street bigwigs, a top executive of automotive giant General Motors, and a famous polo player. Despite his success, Barry's personal life was marked by turmoil, particularly in his marriage to Anna Blake. He confessed to dozens of burglaries to protect his wife, and the two were infamous fugitives who evaded capture by staging a dramatic prison break when Anna became seriously ill.
A Gentleman and a Thief is not just a true story about a fascinating thief, but also a love story about Barry and his wife. The book is full of insight into our fascination with jewel heists and the suave, clever criminals who pull them off. It's a page-turning and escapist read that is sparkling with style and wit. With dozens of historic images, this book is a true page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I recently finished reading a captivating true story about a legendary con artist and jewel thief from the early 20th century. What struck me most about this story was the complexity of the main character, Arthur Barry, who was both a master of deception and a devoted husband. In a world where charm and wit were his greatest tools, Barry's personal life was marked by a deep sense of loyalty and love, particularly for his wife, Anna.
As I delved into the story, I found myself drawn into the world of high society and crime that Barry inhabited. The author masterfully weaves together the intricate details of each heist, painting a vivid picture of Barry's audacious plan to steal from some of the wealthiest and most influential people of the time. The level of detail and the excitement of these events kept me fully engaged, often to the point of the early hours of the morning. It's a testament to the power of the human spirit, and the lengths to which people will go to protect loved ones.
The story is a nuanced exploration of the human condition, touching on themes of loyalty, love, and the allure of a life of crime. Through Barry's journey, we see the blurred lines between right and wrong, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book is a masterful page-turner, packed with style, wit, and a healthy dose of nostalgia for a bygone era. What I appreciated most about this book was its ability to balance the thrilling aspects of the story with a deep understanding of the human heart, making for a deeply satisfying read that stays with you long after the final page.
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
This captivating true story is a masterful blend of intrigue and romance that follows Arthur Barry, a charismatic and cunning con artist and jewel thief. The intricate details of his heists are woven together with a deep exploration of his personal life, revealing a complex and multifaceted individual driven by a mix of loyalty, love, and a desire for adventure. The level of detail and excitement in these events kept me fully engaged, and the nuances of Barry's journey shed light on the blurred lines between right and wrong, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.