About the book: 2018 / May 10, 1933, thousands of volumes are burning in the central squares of German cities: this is how the Ministry of Propaganda of Nazi Germany is carrying out an action “against the non-German spirit.” But they also have other books-related crimes on their conscience. During World War II, Nazi soldiers systematically plundered European museums and libraries. Hundreds of priceless incunabula and rare editions were to form the greatest library of modern times, which would surpass that of Alexandria. The war ended, but most of the stolen books were never found. A team of heroic librarians, like the famous “Treasure Hunters” who returned the Mona Lisa to the world and The Ghent Altarpiece explores Germany's book depositories, identifying stolen titles and returning them to the families of the original owners. For those who lost loved ones in the Holocaust, these books are often the only remaining possessions of their loved ones. Swedish journalist and writer Andres Riedel not only compiled an unprecedented chronicle of the theft of Europe's bibliographic treasures, but also joined the effort to recover them. Riedel's story is a fascinating mixture of intellectual history and detective story that cannot fail to inspire readers. LA Review of Books Thrilling, memorable a journey for bibliophiles and historians of World War II.