“I’m afraid my burning passion overrode my conscience. It may appear selfish, but I felt the books had been abandoned. They were covered with dust and pigeon droppings and I felt no one consulted them anymore,” Gosse told the court, according to the June 19 U.K. Guardian. “There was also the thrill of adventure—I was very scared of being found out.”
Gosse committed the thefts from August 2000 until he was caught May 19, 2002, with the use of a hidden video camera. Authorities found the stolen items in his apartment; among which were illuminated manuscripts, some dating back to the 15th century.
Using a forgotten corridor that led from a workshop in what is now the abbey’s hotel to the library, Gosse would gain access to the collection during the day, and then leave at night with departing guests. Noting that the archbishop of Strasbourg and the abbey priest have declared their forgiveness, prosecutor Jean Dissler said Gosse is welcome back at the library—through the front door.
Posted June 23, 2003.