Beautiful Loot: The Soviet Plunder of Europe's Art Treasures

by Konstantin Akinsha, Grigorii Kozlov

Written by the two men who revealed the existence of secret depositories of treasures, this book is the dramatic account of the plundering of precious objects during the last terrible days of the Reich, the buffoonish political maneuvering and corruption that kept the art hidden and neglected for years, and the bold detective work that led to its discovery. 16 pages of photos.

Genres: Art, Russia, Art History, Nonfiction, History

301 pages, Hardcover

First published September 19, 1995

Reviews

[Patty]

There is a certain sort of "academic" book that relies on lots of long lists- people, paintings, sculptures, places, etc.- in place of story telling. While the proof may well be in the pudding, the pudding must be edible, as it were. If you are an academic in search of proof of the Russian Communist collection of "trophy" art at the close of World War II. If you are not, skip it.

[Ronald]

Superb history of missing art from WW2 from the eastern front. Very similar to The Rape of Europa by Lynn Nichols.

[Bill]

The vast looting of art by Soviets in Nazi Germany and elsewhere was systematically planned and executed with the aid of Hermitage curators and other specialists who helped make art "shopping lists" for the conquering troops. Now, when you consider what the Germans did to Russia, it's hard to feel sympathetic in any way for what was taken, but on the other hand, there are always innocents involved. This book serves as one more indication of how Russian specialists are employed by the state to do whatever - killing journalists comes easily to mind - and when you consider Putin's KGB background, well...

[Jae]

Fantastic! I found this book fascinating. While others have described it as dry and more like a long list, I totally disagree.

[Amber + Casey]

I used it for a research paper.

[bibliotekker Holman]

The Monuments Men featured in the popular book and movie (the book was better) had a less altruistic doppelgänger during and after the war. The interesting story is revealed in this book.