Four decades ago, Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Lawrence Block introduced the world to one of his most beloved and enduring creations: Bernie Rhodenbarr

Foreword: a burglar's origins -- A bad night for burglars -- Mr. Rhodenbarr, bookseller, advises a young customer on seeking a vocation -- Burglar who strove to go straight -- Like a thief in the night -- Burglar who dropped in on Elvis -- Burglar who smelled smoke -- Burglar who collected Copernicus -- A burglar's-eye view of greed -- Burglar on location -- Five books Bernie has read more than once -- A burglar's complaint -- Burglar takes a cat -- Burglar on the screen -- Afterword: a burglar's future