In his debut novel, renowned antiques and art journalist and writer Duncan Phillips weaves a beautifully observed tale of intrigue and duplicity (literally), romance and peril with not one but two cliffhangers leaving the reader with more questions than answers. When a forgotten painting of William Shakespeare is bequeathed to a novice art dealer, he must set out to prove its authenticity in order to find a buyer. Can he navigate to the top of the Art Market and stop it falling into the hands of unscrupulous rivals? Who is going to make the final deal when the priceless portrait comes up for sale? Welcome to the mysterious world of fine art galleries, international auctioneers, national museum curators, politicians, Shakespeare scholars, conservators,American billionaires and ruthless oligarchs. The Shakespeare Deal is inspired by a portrait painting of William Shakespeare by Robert Peake, Sergeant-Paynter to James I.Today that portrait is in private hands and has been widely publicised. Much of the painting's true history, detailed herein, is based on many years of research. If you like Shakespeare, art and history, you'll love this book.
