Few stories are as bizarre and gripping as the Transylvania University book heist, the true story that inspired the 2018 film American Animals. At the centre of this heist was a rare and extraordinary book—a collection of bird paintings that captivated the imagination of both art lovers and criminals alike.
The Target: John James Audubon's Birds of America
The book at the heart of the heist was John James Audubon's Birds of America, a masterpiece of natural history and art. Published between 1827 and 1838, the book contains life-size watercolour paintings of North American birds. Audubon’s meticulous work was groundbreaking, offering unprecedented detail and accuracy in depicting bird species in their natural habitats.
What makes Birds of America particularly valuable is not just its artistic merit but also its rarity. Only about 120 complete sets are known to exist today, and each one is huge, measuring approximately 90cm x 60cm and weighing around 22kg. The sheer size of the books adds to their mystique; these massive volumes are almost as impressive in their physical presence as they are in their content.
The rarity and historical significance of Birds of America have made it one of the most sought-after works in the world of rare books, with individual copies fetching millions of dollars at auction. For the would-be thieves, this book represented the ultimate prize—a valuable artifact that could potentially set them up for life.
The Heist: It's Not Quite Like the Movies
In 2004, four students from Transylvania University—Spencer Reinhard, Warren Lipka, Eric Borsuk, and Chas Allen—devised a plan to steal John James Audubon’s Birds of America and other rare books from their university’s Special Collections Library. Motivated by a mix of youthful ambition and the allure of quick wealth, they meticulously planned the heist, drawing inspiration from Hollywood films like Ocean’s Eleven. Disguised as elderly men, the group hoped to bypass suspicion and make a clean getaway.
On the day of the heist, Warren Lipka, posing as an elderly researcher, gained access to the rare books room. Once inside, he attempted to incapacitate the librarian with a stun gun, but the situation quickly spiraled out of control. Despite their chaotic efforts, the group managed to restrain the librarian and began hauling out the massive volumes. However, the sheer size and weight of the Birds of America made their escape far more difficult than anticipated.
Their inexperience showed not only in the execution of the heist but also in their attempt to sell the stolen books. The students contacted Christie's auction house using amateurish emails, raising immediate suspicion. Meanwhile, security footage from the library and other locations, combined with their careless use of personal emails, allowed the FBI to swiftly identify and apprehend them.
The heist that was supposed to be their ticket to fortune ended with all four students in prison.
Spencer Reinhard: From Criminal to Bird Artist
Spencer Reinhard, was a talented art student at the university on a scholarship. Reinhard had a passion for birds long before the crime, and was the one who brought the attention of the book to his friends.
After serving time in prison, he returned to his love of art, dedicating himself to creating detailed and vibrant bird paintings, eventually becoming a respected artist in his own right.
The Transylvania University book heist remains one of the most fascinating true crime stories in recent history, not just for its audacity but for the remarkable artwork at its centre, and the unlikely redemption of one of its perpetrators.
