The Art Detective

Fakes, Frauds, and Finds and the Search for Lost Treasures

By: Philip Mould

Narrated by: James Langton

What separates a masterpiece from a piece of junk? Thanks to the BBC's Antiques Roadshow and its American spin-off, everyone is searching garage sales and hunting online for hidden gems, wondering whether their attics contain trash or treasures.

In The Art Detective, Philip Mould, one of the world's foremost authorities on British portraiture and an irreverent and delightful expert for the Roadshow, serves up his secrets and his best stories, blending the technical details of art detection and restoration with juicy tales peopled by a range of eccentric collectors, scholars, forgers, and opportunities.

Each chapter focuses on one particular painting and the mystery that surrounds it. Mould is our trusty detective, tracking down clues, uncovering human foibles, and following hunches until the truth is revealed. Mould is known for his ability to crack the toughest puzzles, and whether he's writing about a fake Norman Rockwell, a hidden Rembrandt, or a lost Gainsborough, he brings both the art and the adventure to life. The Art Detective is memoir, mystery, art history, and brilliant yarn all rolled into one.

©2010 Philip-Mould (P)2010 Tantor

Antique Road Show Rocks!

I'm a serious fan of PBS and of Antiques Roadshow in particular. I've always been curious about the appraisers and what happens when the paintings are sold afterwards. Philip Mould deftly writes about that and about how rare and unknown works of art are discovered and authenticated. I liked that each chapter deals with a different painting and the history of the painting. The narration is very well done. I haven't enjoyed a story like this in a while.

Very surprise ending

I enjoyed reading this interesting peek into the interesting world of the world of mega art. My only disappointment is that the final
astonishing end was not brought to a clear ending. I understand that the issue had not been formally resolved as the book went to press.surely a brief addendum could have been added to give us the ending we deserve!

Compelling stories

I loved the journeys Mr. Mould took me on and the historical facts resulting from his efforts. This could have been twice as long, and I will seek out additional works by him.

Art for history's sake

Fascinating subject and good historical underpinning. Talented narrator but read too fast as though he had somewhere else to go.

This book sounds like a collection of war stories but leaves a rich residue of real history and biography.

If you enjoy antiques road show and...

Wish you knew even more about the back story, you will love this book. I listened to this book in two sittings, and would have enjoyed more. A glimpse into the way art is "made" or not. I especially loved the story about the "old guy and his treasures". This is a day in the life of a treasure hunter and how he goes about the discovery, and more besides. Sit back and enjoy.

An Enjoyable Listen

I truly enjoyed this story of the great art finds Philip Mould brought to life and the tales about the ones that got away. So much is encapsulated in the history of painting and drawing, on canvas, wood, metal and paper; hidden secrets that remain buried under grime and overpainting. It takes an educated art detective, with a little help from his friends, to get to the truth.

Wonderful tales of art sleuthing beautifully read.

Skip the introduction which is overly academic and get into the meat on the bone. Fascinating detail of picture restoration and provenance in the high dollar art world. The author is a terrific narrator and brilliant mimic of accents. Well done!

The Art Detective was Interesting

I have always been interested in Art and Art History. This book filled in some gaps on how art experts and art dealers get involved with art and find old masterpieces. To be honest, not all of the stories were interesting, but I really enjoyed the stories about the Norman Rockwell and the Winslow Homer. Philip Mould has definitely had a fulfilling career in art. The audiobook performance was well done by James Langton. Now I just need to check on some of the old art lying around in my closets!!

Fascinating binge listen, Fake or Fortune?

Philip Mould is a well-known British TV presenter and professional art dealer. He presents the excellent 'Fake or Fortune?' with Fiona Bruce, who he also works with on The Antiques Roadshow (UK). I purchased this based on my love of his TV programs, without terribly high expectations. But the book turned out much better than I anticipated, a fascinating and well-written description of lost and rediscovered masterpieces, interesting owners, art restoration, and sleuthing. I binge listened to it over 2 days.

My one negative is with the narrator. This narration of the main part of the narrative is fine (even good) - although he doesn't sound much like Philip Mould. However, his attempt at the accents of the cast of the book is inexcusable. A minute on the internet would have found hundreds of clips of Bendor Grosvenor - Philip's research assistant - who appears in Fake or Fortune and also presents his own show, 'Lost British Masterpieces'. He does not have, 'a bad attempt at a cockney accent,' but a very pronounced upper-class accent - hardly surprising since he is related to British aristocracy. This is the worst faux par - but there are many others, including the Antiques roadshow client who is described as having a midlands accent local to Althorpe - being given a really strange accent, that sounds part liverpudlian. James Langton - do your homework - or just read out the dialogue, which would have been fine.

BTW if you like this book, Philip recorded a wonderful series of short videos from his own home, talking about his personal art collection. Called Art in Isolation they are available on Youtube.

Excellent story with pertinent information

Having been interested in art from childhood, combining it with my college studies and lastly doing a four year docent study at the San Francisco museums, I found this to be a very interesting and informative truth of how the art world works. Well done!!!