We a good story
Quick delivery in the UK

Plunder?

- How Museums Got Their Treasures

About Plunder?

A provocative reassessment of a popular narrative that connects museums, the antiquities trade, and theft. In this thought-provoking new work, historian Justin M. Jacobs challenges the widely accepted belief that much of Western museums' treasures were acquired by imperialist plunder and theft. The account reexamines the allegedly immoral provenance of Western collections, advocating for a nuanced understanding of how artifacts reached Western shores. Jacobs examines the perspectives of Chinese, Egyptian, and other participants in the global antiquities trade over the past two and a half centuries, revealing that Western collectors were often willingly embraced by locals. This collaborative dynamic, largely ignored by contemporary museum critics, unfolds a narrative of hope and promise for a brighter, more equitable future--a compelling reassessment of one of the institutional pillars of the Enlightenment.

Show more
  • Language:
  • English
  • ISBN:
  • 9781789149487
  • Binding:
  • Hardback
  • Published:
  • October 9, 2024
  • Dimensions:
  • 137x206x25 mm.
  • Weight:
  • 408 g.
  In stock
Delivery: 3-5 business days
Expected delivery: December 5, 2024

Description of Plunder?

A provocative reassessment of a popular narrative that connects museums, the antiquities trade, and theft. In this thought-provoking new work, historian Justin M. Jacobs challenges the widely accepted belief that much of Western museums' treasures were acquired by imperialist plunder and theft. The account reexamines the allegedly immoral provenance of Western collections, advocating for a nuanced understanding of how artifacts reached Western shores. Jacobs examines the perspectives of Chinese, Egyptian, and other participants in the global antiquities trade over the past two and a half centuries, revealing that Western collectors were often willingly embraced by locals. This collaborative dynamic, largely ignored by contemporary museum critics, unfolds a narrative of hope and promise for a brighter, more equitable future--a compelling reassessment of one of the institutional pillars of the Enlightenment.

User ratings of Plunder?



Find similar books
The book Plunder? can be found in the following categories:

Join thousands of book lovers

Sign up to our newsletter and receive discounts and inspiration for your next reading experience.