The Return of Cultural Treasures - Softcover

Greenfield, Jeanette

9780521001823: The Return of Cultural Treasures

Softcover

ISBN 10: 052100182X ISBN 13: 9780521001823

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2006

In recent years controversial cases such as the so-called Elgin Marbles have prompted public debate on the return of cultural treasures to their homelands. In this fully revised and expanded third edition of her seminal work, first published in 2007, Jeanette Greenfield analyzes and discusses the historical, legal and political issues surrounding a wide cross-section of similar cases. Bringing the story up to date, this edition includes new chapters on wartime plunders, deliberately destroyed art and the return of ethnic art such as Australian aboriginal and Native American art. It also explores the palaeontological and marine archaeology issues at play and examines new approaches taken by museums when dealing with cultural objects and their return. Written in a highly accessible style with an interdisciplinary approach, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers interested in cultural heritage, archaeology and anthropology, museums, art history and international law.

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Review:

Review of the hardback: '[Described the central topic of this book as] 'the morally rather beautiful idea that certain objects belong by right to a culture, and that in certain circumstances this overrides rights of circumstantial ownership.' Arthur C. Danto, The Times Literary Supplement

Review of the hardback: 'She brings style, enthusiasm and the mind an international lawyer to the complex historical, legal and political issues ... A book for everyone concerned about Earth's scientific, historic and artistic heritage ...' The Times

Review of the hardback: 'This remarkable book represents on the one hand, an important contribution to the law, both international and domestic, of the cultural heritage, and on the other hand a contribution likewise to the history of the movement of cultural treasures.' Australian Law Journal

Review of the hardback: 'Both readable and with its hundred excellent illustrations a delight to browse through ...' British Yearbook of International Law

Review of the hardback: '[Jeanette Greenfield] presents an involving, balanced and excellently researched discussion of the priceless cultural artefacts taken from their lands of origin ...' Art and Antiques

Review of the hardback: 'A fine book on a very important subject often surrounded not just by controversy but plain lies. It is a book which all interested in the cultural heritage of the people of the world will find rewarding reading.' Sydney Morning Herald

Review of the hardback: 'An extremely readable and accessible account of the complex legal issues involved in the question of repatriation ... a well thought out balanced presentation ...' Current Anthropology

Review of the hardback: '... a very valuable and important work ... presents fully researched discussions of scores of cases argued over many years concerning national requests for 'repatriation' and 'return' of art and artefacts.' American Journal of Archaeology

Review of the hardback: 'The first edition of this highly readable study was an important landmark in the debates about the antiquities trade.' British Archaeology

Review of the hardback: '... provides a very fair analysis of this complex issue ... a beautifully produced book ... a standard reference on the subject.' Australian Society

Book Description:

The return of cultural treasures to their homelands inspires fierce debate, as the case of the Elgin Marbles illustrates. The third edition of The Return of Cultural Treasures, first published in 2007, explores the historical, legal and political issues at play and examines the most recent developments in the unfolding story of cultural restitution.

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