A batch of rare books that were stolen nearly 40 years ago have recently resurfaced in New York City, sparking the attention of the art and cultural heritage community. Manhattan prosecutors announced that these 17 historical documents are valued at nearly $3 million and originally belonged to the late tycoon and art collector John Hay Whitney and his wife, philanthropist Betsey Cushing Whitney. The books went missing from their Long Island mansion back in the 1980s.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the case dates back to the period between 1982 and 1989. After Whitney passed away, his family discovered that at least 28 valuable books were missing when they were sorting through the collection at their “Greentree” estate in Long Island. They reported the theft to the authorities but no breakthrough was made over the years.
It wasn’t until January 2025 that a man attempted to sell 17 of these books to two antiquarian bookstores in Manhattan, which led to a breakthrough in the case. The booksellers discovered that these books were listed in the Art Loss Register and promptly notified the authorities.
The man claimed that the books were part of his grandfather’s inheritance and since he was born after the theft occurred, he was not considered a suspect. The identity of the actual thief remains unknown, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Among the 17 recovered books are treasures of great historical and literary value, including 37 love letters from English poet John Keats to his fiancée (8 of which are original manuscripts), valued at over $2 million; a signed first edition of James Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake” from 1939, and Oscar Wilde’s prison letter “De Profundis.”
These works are not only valuable collectibles but also important historical materials for studying literature from the 19th to the 20th century.
The Whitney family holds a prominent position in American culture. John Hay Whitney was a publisher for the New York Herald Tribune, a former U.S. Ambassador to the UK, and chairman of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). He had a passion for art collecting and inherited a vast collection of literary and artistic works from his mother, which were kept in the family estate for years.
Members of the Whitney family expressed shock and relief at the recovery of the books. A family representative stated that these books have significant familial meaning dating back to previous generations. The family plans to auction off these books and donate the proceeds to charity.
During a press conference, Manhattan District Attorney Bai Airong emphasized that New York City is a global hub for art and cultural transactions, stating, “Whether it’s museums or galleries, we uphold authenticity,” and stressed that illegal trading activities will not be tolerated.
Prosecutors also revealed that out of the 28 books stolen years ago, 11 are still missing, and the investigation is ongoing to locate them.