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A History of Loot and Stolen Art: From Antiquity Until the Present Day
The different motivation of the greatest looters in history is a theme which is examined throughout the book. From Sargon II who ruled Syria between 721 and 705 BC, Alexander the Great, Cesare Borgia, Gonzales the Spanish conquistador who defeated the Incan Empire, Francis Drake, Napoleon Bonaparte, Joseph Stalin, Hermann Goering and Adolf Hitler, we eventually reach the twenty-first century where looting continues world wide and hardly a day goes by without news in the media of the latest audacious art theft.
424 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 3, 2014
Ivan Lindsay’s 'The History of Loot and Stolen Art' documents the murkier transactions that are conducted in the art world, from smuggled sarcophagi to “souvenir hunting” in post-war Europe.
Whilst other works (including the recent Hollywood film, The Monuments Men) have focussed exclusively on the 20th century looting conducted by the Nazis and the Soviets, Lindsay’s analysis extends from the Ancient Greeks right up to 21st Century thefts, and provides the first comprehensive overview of art theft throughout history.
Boasting a wide range of supporting evidence from archives and contemporary sources, it seamlessly blends factual information with diverting anecdotes.
Lindsay’s tone is academic yet accessible, accompanied by beautiful reproductions of key works, and provides a keen insight into the corrupting influence of money and power in the world of art.
Whilst other works (including the recent Hollywood film, The Monuments Men) have focussed exclusively on the 20th century looting conducted by the Nazis and the Soviets, Lindsay’s analysis extends from the Ancient Greeks right up to 21st Century thefts, and provides the first comprehensive overview of art theft throughout history.
Boasting a wide range of supporting evidence from archives and contemporary sources, it seamlessly blends factual information with diverting anecdotes.
Lindsay’s tone is academic yet accessible, accompanied by beautiful reproductions of key works, and provides a keen insight into the corrupting influence of money and power in the world of art.
June 25, 2014
So I am a huge history buff so I found this book very interesting. It talks about looting of art from across the generations and all over the world. Some of the stories I have heard but most I haven't. You can tell that the author is passionate about this and a lot of research was involved.
It's so amazing how important art has always been. Even now the more art you have the more wealth you have. During wars the victors always took great pride in whatever they coul loot from the conquered areas. If you love art or history, you will love this.
It's so amazing how important art has always been. Even now the more art you have the more wealth you have. During wars the victors always took great pride in whatever they coul loot from the conquered areas. If you love art or history, you will love this.
June 23, 2014
A fascinating reference book loaded with information about lost and stolen art from ancient times through current day. I love that you learn about the history of each time period as well as information on the artwork itself. Includes so much more than traditional artwork. I was fascinated to find it includes things like a 40 ton statue and a gate. If you're interested in art or history you'll want to read this.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews