Stolen World: A Tale Of Reptiles, Smugglers, And Skullduggery



Publishers Weekly (starred review)
In this very disturbing and very entertaining chronicle of reptile smugglers, the collectors and zoo keepers who trade with them, and the federal agents who try to catch them, the humans are as devious, dangerous, and creepily charming as the cold-blooded creatures they lust after. Science reporter Smith bases her book on extensive original interviews with two smugglers: Henry Molt Jr. is a reptile dealer who, in the 1960s, unable to get a job with a zoo, began a lifelong career of reptile collecting involving restless international travel, partner-stiffing, and jail time, with an undaunted enthusiasm that's survived into his 60s: "The reptile business ‘is a disease,' he said, and you can't retire from a disease." Equally outrageous is the volatile, knife-wielding Tommy Crutchfield, who expanded his childhood alligator-and-snake business into a million-dollar empire of reptile hunting and dealing. Even the curators of the Bronx and San Diego zoos let their obsession with the animals lure them into deals in order to obtain illegally imported rare breeds. Smith's affection for these unsavory people gives the book an intriguing moral ambiguity (which might make some environmentalists cringe), but the subculture's brazen shenanigans make for a convoluted, fascinating tale. (Jan.)

Available immediately

Single copies to Canadian addresses for $28.00 including postage and tax.

CDN or USD $20.00 plus applicable postage to non Canadian addresses.

Available from:

Scotty Allen http://scottybooks.blogspot.com/

I heard that Tom and Co were not at all happy with this book. Apparently the author had a hidden agenda.

May be worth a read, although I would hate to put money in her pocket if this were the case.

And how exactly is Tom Crutchfield "Volatile and Knife wielding"? Is he known for running around wildly with a knife?

I've known Tom for almost thirty years. Although at one time at least he had a very nice collection of custom made knives, I've never known him to be "knife wielding". Journalists and their reviewers tend to sensationalize occasionally

I know Tommy personally. I just had dinner with him last week. He is a great guy with good healthy animals. The book is definitely interesting although the author goes over the top with her descriptions of breaking cell phones and pulling knives. While we have all made our share of mistakes in life. I've only known Tom to be true southern Gentleman.