The Art of the Steal - by Christopher Mason (Paperback)

About the Book

The definitive book on the price-fixing scandal that rocked the art world, from the reporter who Dominick Dunne says "knows more about the ins and outs of this story than anyone else" ("Vanity Fair").

Book Synopsis

The Art of the Steal tells the story of several larger-than-life figures - the billionaire tycoon Alfred Taubman; the most powerful woman in the art world, Dede Brooks; and the wily British executive Christopher Davidge - who conspired to cheat their clients out of millions of dollars. It offers an unprecedented look inside this secretive, glamorous, gold-plated industry, describing just how Sotheby's and Christie's grew from clubby, aristocratic businesses into slick international corporations. And it shows how the groundwork for the most recent illegal activities was laid decades before the perpetrators were caught by federal prosecutors.

About the Author

Christopher Mason is a contributor to the New York Times and New York magazine. He writes frequently on the worlds of art, society, fashion, and design.