The Elgin affair
Subtitle: the abduction of Antiquity's greatest treasures and the passions it aroused
By: Theodore Vrettos.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: Arcade Pub.; Distributed by Little, Brown
Published: 1997
Place of publication: New York; Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 238
Subjects: Elgin, Thomas Bruce, Earl of, 1766-1841 -- Ethics; Elgin marbles -- Public opinion; Art thefts -- Greece -- Athens
Description: Every year, millions of people visit London's British Museum to admire the magnificent Greek sculptures that adorned the Parthenon in Athens for more than two thousand years. This compelling and controversial story of the Elgin Marbles (named for Thomas Bruce, seventh earl of Elgin, who stripped the Parthenon of these exquisite works in what has been called "the greatest art theft in history") re-creates in full and colorful detail a steamy tale of obsession, intrigue, adultery, and ruin.

Drawing on original source material - letters, diaries, official government reports and memoranda, together with the full divorce proceedings of a scandalous adultery trial in Edinburgh - and on his earlier work on the subject, Vrettos brings brilliantly to life these fascinating events of history. Rounding out the story of the marbles, the author concludes with the latest battles between the Greek and English governments over the rightful ownership of these priceless treasures.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-228) and index.