World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated every 23 April, represents the right opportunity to explore the contribution of books in society. In conjunction with this anniversary, Sky Arte offers the story of one of the most sensational thefts of ancient books in recent Italian history. The documentary Thief of Books, broadcast on Sky Arte on Tuesday 23 April, retraces the actions of Massimo De Caro, director of the historic Girolamini Library, in Naples. Between a thousand subterfuges, between 2011 and 2012, he became a thief of the very heritage that he was supposed to guard. Over the course of a year, he stole over 4,000 volumes from the library’s collection and then sold them to public and private collectors around the world, before being arrested. Directed by Antonio Castaldo, the documentary is not limited to a cold account of the events, but reflects on the value of cultural heritage and the consequences of its loss. Starting from a sensational news case, Ladro di libri invites us to consider the importance of the protection of cultural heritage and the collective responsibility in their protection.
Tags: story incredible theft books
