A book review on: Priceless: how I went undercover to rescue the world’s stolen treasure

Abstract

In his new memoir, Priceless, retired FBI agent, Robert Wittman (along with cowriter John Shiffman), recounts his many years investigating art crimes. Wittman’s story is a compelling and fascinating one, from his humble beginnings, to his experiences while leading the FBI’s Art Crime Team. Over the years, art crime has emerged as a considerable presence in the world of property theft, yet it was not always a priority at the FBI. Wittman carved out a niche for himself in this area, and in doing so, helped to create and develop the FBI’s art crime Team. His accomplishments brought accolades and recognition to this previously underserved area of crime. Art crime has been a growing topic of research within the last decade and the literature continues to expand in its scope. Increased recognition in law enforcement has resulted in the FBI’s expansion of its Art Crime Team, which currently includes thirteen special agents who are specifically trained in art and cultural property investigations (www.fbi.gov). The topic of art crime has been the topic of increasing study and scholarship over the past decade or so. Although there is certainly some distinguished academic literature on art crime, it is still an emerging area of research which will undoubtedly continue to develop. Those in academia who publish on art crime are a somewhat small but well respected group. Their work can be found not only in traditional criminology journals, but looking more broadly, is also found in anthropology, archeology and art history publications. The connection between organized crime and art crime is well represented in the literature [3, 5, 6]. Organized crime in this area should not be confused with the typical associations of organized crime, such as mafia related. Rather, it is meant in the broader sense of interconnected organized networks in which the goods are trafficked. Crime Law Soc Change (2011) 56:209–211 DOI 10.1007/s10611-011-9318-1