The book describes how Wittman perfected the art of the shady deal as an undercover cop (see Nov. 14, 2008 AntiqueWeek). From the port city of Marseilles, to the backstreets of Warsaw, and to a farmhouse deep within Brazil, Wittman played the role of the greedy and unscrupulous art dealer.

By the FBI’s accounting, Wittman saved hundreds of millions of dollars worth of art and antiquities during his tenure with the agency. In Priceless, Wittman is able to meticulously describe his adventures for the first time. Released earlier this month, the book made its first appearance on the list of 35 top-selling hard cover non-fiction books at 26th place. The New York Times list, for more than 50 years, has been widely considered the preeminent list of best selling books in the country.

In his page-turning memoir, Wittman fascinates with the stories behind his recoveries of priceless art and antiquities such as the sculpture that inspired the Impressionist movement; the headdress Geronimo wore at his final pow-wow; and the rare Civil War flag carried into battle by one of the nation’s first African-American regiments.

Priceless is part detective book, part art history, and always about the inestimable value of our past (hence, the title).

“They (publishers and book dealers) have had a hard time putting a category on the book,” Wittman says. “On Amazon, they put it into the ’True Crime’ section, as well as ’Art Reference’ and, I believe, ’Museum’ categories … It really is neat to make the New York Times list … it was a little stressful writing about yourself, you never know how it will be taken; but, the reviews we’ve gotten – so far - have been five star. I believe it’s the first art crime book to make the New York Times list.”

Since the release of the book, actor Pierce Brosnan has approached Wittman about a television serial, the investigator-turned-author says. Wittman and his agents have also been negotiating with Hollywood, and are expecting to soon “close on a deal” with a major motion picture company, he said.

Wittman – the man The Wall Street Journal – calls a “living legend,” and The London Times dubs “the most famous art detective in the world” – created this Thomas Crown Affair-like book with John Shiffman, an investigative reporter with The Philadelphia Inquirer.

During his 20 years working undercover, he traveled the world to rescue paintings by Rockwell and Rembrandt, Pissarro, Monet and Picasso, often working undercover overseas at the whim of foreign governments. Closer to home, he recovered an original copy of the Bill of Rights and cracked a scam that rocked the PBS series Antiques Roadshow.

But, what sets Priceless apart from your ordinary international thriller, is that it is based on the thoughts and actions of an extraordinary man who grew up in the antique world. His respect for antiques, history and heritage broadens the perspective of the book.

In part, it is his hope that the book will give the public a “better take” on the antique industry.

“I think antique dealers sometimes get a bad rap,” he says. “I think a lot of the shows like Antiques Roadshow, Pawn Stars, American Pickers do a real disservice to the antiques industry. I think the public has really been taken in by thinking that dealing antiques is about ’getting over’ on the public.

“Most antique dealers I know are about doing an honest day’s work, for an honest day’s pay. That’s what 95 percent of the industry is all about. There’s nothing wrong with taking a profit; but there is something wrong with taking advantage of people … I don’t think most dealers do that.”

What’s also important to Wittman, he says, is bringing a new awareness of the industry to the general public.

“This is an art crime book that crosses over from our specific antique world to the general public,” he says. “We wanted the book to bring more awareness to the public of the importance – the significance – of antiques, art and history.”

The book is expected to reach a worldwide audience, with the Crown publishing company now in negotiations for rights in Taiwan, China and France.

With all the potential fame and fortune knocking at his door, is the 53-year-old Wittman ready for a soft comfortable life on the French Riviera?

“Nope, gotta keep working,” he says. Since becoming incorporated as ’Robert Wittman Inc.,’ he has been busy helping collectors and institutions secure their property, recovering lost art and antiques, and protecting clients against forgeries and fakes.

“This is what I love,” he says, talking while en route to another assignment. “I love being out here on a case. This is my life … besides; I’m making stories for the next book.”

Contact: www.robertwittmaninc.com

Eric C. Rodenberg