The Great Chinese Art Heist: Imperialism, Organized Crime, and the Hidden Story of China’s Stolen Artistic Treasures

In this fascinating true crime narrative, playwright and journalist Pezzullo (Zero Footprint) traces a string of contemporary art thefts to historical injustices. In August 2010, a break-in at Stockholm’s Drottningholm Palace netted thieves a trove of rare Chinese artifacts. Over the next decade, more heists followed in France, England, and other European countries; all were carefully planned, and targeted exclusively Chinese artifacts, many of which had first been looted from Beijing’s Old Summer Palace by Anglo-French troops circa 1860. As Pezzullo entertains theories about who might be behind the thefts (the Chinese government? greedy billionaires? triad gangs posted abroad? all three in cahoots?), he fashions an enthralling history of Chinese relations with the West from the 19th century to the present, covering the Opium Wars, Europe’s tense interactions with Chinese immigrants, and China’s eventual rise as a trade superpower. Though he doesn’t provide conclusive evidence about all of the thefts, Pezzullo offers a stimulating and entertaining look at their broader context. It’s a treat for history buffs and caper fans alike. Agent: Mark Gottlieb, Trident Media Group. (July)