Medici Conspiracy

Peter Watson writes for the New York Times and has written weekly columns on the art market for the London Sunday Times, Observer and Evening Standard. In June 1997, he was appointed Research Associate at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research in the University of Cambridge. He is the author of The Caravaggio Conspiracy, From Manet to Manhattan,and Sotheby's: The Inside Story. Cecilia Todeschini is a researcher and translator who has worked for the BBC, ITV, CBS, ABC, and NBC. She has covered papal conclaves as well as the great mafia trials in Italy among many other subjects.

"The Medici Conspiracy is not, as its title might suggest, an allusion to historical Florentine intrigue - though the tale is worthy of such a connection... Written like a detective story... the book is a thoroughly researched, pacey and accessible read." The Guardian "The Medici Conspiracy documents convincingly - indeed takes the lid off - the extraordinary way that some of the world's most famous museums, aided by some of the most prominent collectors, have paid corrupt dealers millions of dollars to obtain notable antiquities looted from ancient sites in Italy and beyond and then illegally exported... At times the tale is as complex as The Da Vinci Code, but this time the cast is composed of real characters. This is not fiction.... Watson and Todeschini have written a fascinating account of conspiracy and corruption in high places. It will rock the world of the complacent collectors who ask no questions. It shows how several museums have undermined their own reputations. And it is a rattling good read." The Evening Standard "Watson combines methodical research with the tension of a thriller and genuine passion for his subject." Scotland on Sunday "(B)rilliant... This real-life conspiracy should oust The Da Vinci Code from every bookshelf" New Scientist "(G)ripping... As a portrait of venality, The Medici Conspiracy is both shocking and compelling." The Observer "Reading almost like a thriller at times, this is an exciting expose of a huge criminal trade." Publishing News"