'The result of years of research and exclusive access to little-known private collections, Guilding's book tackles the bankruptcies, rivalries, unbridled snobbery and social snakery in the world of collecting. More riveting than Downton Abbey.'-Vanity Fair * Vanity Fair * 'Most unusually, the actual reach of Ruth Guilding's mighty and compelling new study is far wider than the already large subject of 'Why the English Collected Antique Sculpture, 1640-1840.'- David Ekserdjian, The Spectator -- David Ekserdjian * The Spectator * 'Beautifully illustrated, particularly with installation photographs both old and new, this enthralling book has a lifetime's use ahead as the intelligent wanderer's companion.'-Brian Sewell, Evening Standard. -- Brian Sewell * Evening Standard * 'For anyone wishing to pursue an interest in the subject, there could hardly be a more alluring or stimulating guide than this impressive work.'-Giles Waterfield, Art Newspaper. -- Giles Waterfield * Art Newspaper *
Ruth Guilding is an independent scholar and critic.