Philip Hook reveals the world of art dealing, uncovering the intelligence, cunning, greed, and daring of its professionals. In a richly anecdotal narrative, he describes the rise and occasional falls of the extraordinary men and women who, over time, have undertaken the sale of art to kings, merchants, nobles, entrepreneurs, and museums.

From its beginnings in Antwerp, where paintings were sometimes sold by weight, to the opulent formality of modern galleries in London, Paris, and New York, art dealing is about recognizing what is intangible yet indescribably desirable, and then finding clients for whom it is irresistible. The art professionals include tailors, spies, and occasional anarchists, as well as scholars, aristocrats, dealers, and connoisseurs, each driven by greed, faith in their perception of art and its history, or simply the desire to win.

The cast of characters includes Paul Durand-Ruel, the champion of the Impressionists; Herwath Walden, who first brought Modernism to prominence; Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, the high priest of Cubism; Leo Castelli, the dealer-midwife of Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art; and Peter Wilson, the charismatic chairman of Sotheby’s, who made the auction room a theater.

Philip Hook's story is a narrative of human folly, greed, and deceit, interspersed with ingenuity, inspiration, and acts of heroism. The Rogues’ Gallery is informative, funny, and irresistibly readable.

Pages: 288, Year of Publication: 1004, Dimensions: 12.8x12.8cm