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The Art of the Steal
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The Art of the Steal Paperback - 2005

by Christopher Mason

The Art of the Steal is the only book that tells the whole truth about the price-fixing scandal that rocked the auction world and put one of America's richest men behind bars. It's the story of billionaire tycoon Alfred Taubman; the most powerful woman in the art world, Dede Brooks; and the wily British executive Christopher Davidge-who cheated their clients out of millions until federal prosecutors put a stop to their high-end thievery.

Brilliantly written by Christopher Mason, it's an unprecedented look inside this secretive, glamorous industry by the only reporter with access to all the key players. From galleries and boardrooms in London, Paris, and New York to parties in Palm Beach to the courtrooms of lower Manhattan, The Art of the Steal is a fascinating, damning story of dirty dealing in the art world.


Summary

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.

From the publisher

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.

First line

WHEN ALFRED TAUBMAN strolled into the London premises of Sotheby Parke Bernet in October 1983 as the proud new owner of the fabled British auction house, he was greeted like a conquering hero.

Details

  • Title The Art of the Steal
  • Author Christopher Mason
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition 5976th
  • Pages 416
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Berkley Books, New York - Chicago - San Francisco
  • Date May 3, 2005
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780425202418 / 0425202410
  • Weight 0.98 lbs (0.44 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.98 x 6 x 0.88 in (22.81 x 15.24 x 2.24 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Library of Congress subjects Art - Prices, Sotheby's (Firm) - Corrupt practices
  • Dewey Decimal Code 364.168

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.
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The Art of the Steal
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The Art of the Steal

by Mason, Christopher

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The Art of the Steal

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The Art of the Steal

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The Art of the Steal

The Art of the Steal

by Christopher Mason

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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