The Art Detective: Fakes, Frauds, and Finds and the Search for Lost Treasures

by Philip Mould Narrated by James Langton

Overview

What separates a masterpiece from a piece of junk? Thanks to the BBC's Antiques Roadshow and its American spin-off, everyone is searching garage sales and hunting online for hidden gems, wondering whether their attics contain trash or treasures. In The Art Detective, Philip Mould, one of the world's foremost authorities on British portraiture and an irreverent and delightful expert for the Roadshow, serves up his secrets and his best stories, blending the technical details of art detection and restoration with juicy tales peopled by a range of eccentric collectors, scholars, forgers, and opportunities.



Each chapter focuses on one particular painting and the mystery that surrounds it. Mould is our trusty detective, tracking down clues, uncovering human foibles, and following hunches until the truth is revealed. Mould is known for his ability to crack the toughest puzzles, and whether he's writing about a fake Norman Rockwell, a hidden Rembrandt, or a lost Gainsborough, he brings both the art and the adventure to life. The Art Detective is memoir, mystery, art history, and brilliant yarn all rolled into one.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Art historian Mould provides an accessible introduction to the world of art dealing, inviting the listener along as he tracks down the provenance of paintings--including a Thomas Gainsborough. His vignettes are fascinating, if slightly rambling, and they are deftly delivered by James Langton, whose crisp English accent coupled with an assertive, authoritative handling of the material proves delightful. He enlivens the more drab or technical sections and provides smooth transitions from English to American accents. A Viking hardcover. (July)

From the Publisher

"Mould proves he is wonderful storyteller, thanks in part to Langton's able performance." ---AudioFile

Library Journal

Art expert/gallery owner Mould (www.philipmould.com), a regular on PBS's Antiques Roadshow, here explores the mysteries surrounding six major paintings, among them a fake Rockwell, a hidden Rembrandt, and a lost Gainsborough. His anecdotes about gambling his reputation and large sums of money on potential treasures guided only by his expertise, historical records, and often just a hunch are engrossing. Mould's tone is as amiable as actor/musician James Langton's narration is agreeable. With steady interest in art mysteries, expect demand; highly recommended. [The forthcoming BBC series Art Sleuth will draw from several of these stories.—Ed.]—Risa Getman, Hendrick Hudson Free Lib., Montrose, NY

SEPTEMBER 2010 - AudioFile

Philip Mould's long and distinguished career as an art dealer is the subject of a book that is part thriller and part memoir. His spectacular tales from his impressive career will engage even those who are not familiar with the international art world. Narrator James Langton's English-accented voice is the perfect complement to a text largely dealing with the provenance of art treasures discovered by Mould. His portrayals of character voices keep the main characters easily identifiable. In addition, his pacing is relaxed and consistent, making it easy to digest historical details and other information important to the work. Mould proves he is a wonderful storyteller, thanks in part to Langton's able performance. J.R.G. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171210670
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	06/10/2010
Edition description:	Unabridged

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