The Thief: The incredible story of the man who stole the Golden Horns

The Thief tells the story of Niels Heidenreich, the mastermind behind the theft of the audacious theft of the Golden Horns, cultural treasures so revered in Denmark that the Danish National Museum showcases replicas in their absence. From his tumultuous upbringing as the son of a drunken pastor in rural Jutland to his transformation into a goldsmith in Copenhagen, the narrative delves into his ventures in counterfeiting as a desperate means to support his family, his incarceration, and his obsession with gold. The story offers a profound exploration of 17th and 18th-century Copenhagen and Denmark.

The Thief captivates with its vivid portrayal of a bygone era, weaving together elements of intrigue, honor, and self-discovery against the backdrop of Copenhagen. Ulrik Langens's masterful storytelling paints a rich tapestry of Denmark's most infamous thief, intertwining threads of history, innovation, and personal redemption. In the hands of one of Denmark's foremost contemporary historians, The Thief emerges as a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit. See more