40 Years Later, Thief Returns Stolen Book with Apology and $100

A man in California has returned a rare first edition book stolen from a bookstore 40 years ago, accompanied by a heartfelt apology letter and $100. The book, a 1953 first edition of Edward Gorey's "The Unstrung Harp," was discovered in a small package delivered to the Eureka Old Town bookstore, Booklegger.

Bookstore owner Jennifer McFadden found the book and a lengthy apology letter when she opened the package. The man confessed in the letter that he stole the book about 40 years prior when he was a student at Humboldt State University. He explained that he was struggling with severe drug and alcohol addiction at the time and desperately needed money, which led him to commit the theft. Although he has since straightened out his life and lived responsibly, he decided to return the book after finding it while clearing out his garage, feeling it was important to make amends before it was too late.

The returned book is valued at approximately $125. Along with the book, the man enclosed a new $100 bill as a gesture of his belated apology. McFadden shared her emotional reaction on Facebook, stating that she and her staff shed tears upon opening the package. She emphasized the significant courage required to rectify past mistakes, regardless of how much time has passed.

"People make mistakes, but the goodness people show is far greater," McFadden wrote. She added that the man's sincere act held a value far beyond the cost of the book. McFadden plans to contact the man directly via text message to express her gratitude and assure him that he can now let go of the burden from his past.