I wish Loot had been 100% historical and 0% about the modern crime of art looting, because I would have enjoyed 100% of it. On the other hand, I appreciate the questions raised about art repatriation and the role of the museum in the modern world. I didn't know just how smug some curators are. They don't seem to have any interest in discussing repatriation, no matter what the "right" answer is.Note: this book was written before the Greek debt crisis and the Arab Spring. The situations in both Greece and Egypt have surely changed quite a bit. Fantastic book! The controversy surrounding the acquisition of ancient artifacts is complex, yet Waxman deftly navigates through different view points. I was expecting the book to be interesting but a tad dry. I'm glad to say I was surprised with Waxman's writing style; it has some sort of a narrative quality to it, making it a very enjoyable read. I hope Waxman is able to publish an updated edition in the near future!
Very interesting look at museums, antiquities, and the pros and cons of repatriation.
—ilse
I just could not get into this book. I finally gave up after 75 pages.
—jeena
It was pretty ok.
—JaayGarcia
