The Forger's Spell: A True Story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the Greatest Art Hoax of the Twentieth Century

Dolnick, Edward

ISBN 10: 0060825413 / ISBN 13: 9780060825416

Published by Harper, 2008

Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZBV.0060825413.VG

Synopsis:

Profiles the dramatic art hoax through which a small-time Dutch painter conned a reviled Nazi leader by creating works that impersonated those of famed artist Jan Vermeer, a seven-year deception during which the forger hid his mediocre artistic abilities through psychologically manipulative practices. 30,000 first printing.

Review: "Dolnick.tells his story engagingly and with a light touch. He has a novelist's talent for characterization, and he raises fascinating questions." -- New York Times Book Review

"This account by Dolnick.is especially strong in plot development and characterization. It also has a unique point of view" -- Library Journal

Mesmerizing account. . . . Dolnick brings his expertise in art theft, criminal psychology and military history to a scintillating portrait. . . . Polished, fast-paced narrative. . . . Compelling prose. . . . Energetic and authoritative.--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Dolnick brilliantly re-creates the circumstances that made possible one of the most audacious frauds of the 20th century. And in doing so Dolnick plumbs the nature of fraud itself . . . an incomparable page turner."--Boston Globe

"An engaging and highly amusing account of a clever craftsman. . . . On all those levels this is a delightful foray into art history and psychology"--St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"This is the first book on art forgery that really gets to the bottom of the Han van Meegeren tale of chicanery and double dealing. A spirited and provocative read."--Thomas Hoving

"Dolnick...tells his story engagingly and with a light touch. He has a novelist's talent for characterization, and he raises fascinating questions."--New York Times Book Review

"Edward Dolnick's Forger's Spell gives us a well-researched and highly readable account of the underworld of forgers, corrupt dealers, and collectors in Nazi occupied Europe. . . . Wonderful theater, full of fascinating stories, this is a great cautionary tale for all in the art world."--Lynn Nicholas

"Gripping historical narrative. . . . Dolnick, a veteran science writer, knows his way around a canvas. . . . The Forger's Spell has raised provocative questions about the nature of art and the psychology of deception."--Washington Post Book World

"Riveting new art thriller. . . . Likely to captivate not just readers moved by war, art, and the art of deception, but anyone interested in human vanity and our sometimes baffling ability to see only what we want to see."--Christian Science Monitor

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Forger's Spell: A True Story of Vermeer,...
Publisher: Harper
Publication Date: 2008
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: very_good