Torn from their bindings A story of art, science, and the pillaging of American university libraries

An expert on crimes against and depredation of rare printed resources, McDade (curator of law rare books, Univ. of Illinois College of Law) has written extensively on the theft and mutilation of irreplaceable library books. In Torn from Their Bindings, he offers an engrossing, fast-paced, detailed account of Robert Kindred's systematic, brazen removal of thousands of illustrations of animals, plants, and historical events from mostly 19th-century books and periodicals in academic libraries. In 1979-80, Kindred carefully selected academic library collections in various states, knowing that libraries usually offer little security in open stacks (and even, sometimes, more secure locations). Drawing on various primary sources--interviews, police and court records--McDade describes how Kindred operated, events leading to his arrest at the University of Illinois, and the local and federal legal proceedings that ultimately put him in a federal prison. Along with the narrative, the author provides brief background on the market for stolen prints and examples of valuable publications, such as Harper's Weekly (published from 1857 until 1916), sought by thieves. In addition, he highlights the disinterest of some local prosecutors and courts in severely punishing book pillagers and the difficulty of identifying stolen prints and returning them to affected libraries. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers.--David A. Lincove, Ohio State University

There's an epidemic in American university libraries that at times can only be diagnosed years after the infection-theft. McDade (Disappearing Ink; Thieves of Book Row) explores one such instance of theft by following the life of Robert Kindred. We read as Kindred falls into this industry; this is an in-depth look at one thief and the multitude of mistakes he made before finally facing consequences. Although it was fascinating to see one experience from top to bottom, the work may have benefited from some exploration into other thefts at the time; they are touched upon but never fully examined. The minutiae of Kindred's day-to-day routine can become tedious, but it helps to provide a well-rounded version of the whole story. Verdict McDade brings necessary attention to something of which not many people are aware. Kindred may have committed these crimes in the 1970s and 1980s, but this topic is still relevant today. Book lovers, librarians, and crime fans alike will enjoy this detailed story.-Rebecca Kluberdanz, New York P.L. © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.