Duveen; A Life in Art, Meryle Secrest, 2004. William St Clair's copy.

A fascinating biography of Joseph Duveen, first Baron Duveen (1869-1939). He was a British art dealer, and one of the world's most influential figures in the art world. Primarily he sold major European artworks to Americans, becoming extremely wealthy in the process. He was also a philanthropist, and best known perhaps for the Duveen Gallery at the British Museum, built to house the Elgin Marbles.

Duveen; A Life in Art. By Meryle Secrest.

Provenance; from the library of the late William St Clair (1937 - 2021), British historian, academic and author. No signature or annotations, but from the author's library. The book appears to have been presented to him by a colleague, as he is mentioned in the book in the relation to the Elgin Marbles, and Duveen's involvement in the overcleaning scandal surrounding them. There is a postcard to that effect. There is also an additional card with William St Clair's notes in his hand, and a copy of a related newspaper article. Please see our other listings for related works.

Published by Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2004. Stated first edition.

A fine hardback in a near fine dustjacket, covered in removable protective plastic. The hardback has a brown cloth spine with gilt titles, and brown paper over boards. Text is clear, bright and soundly bound.

Text in English.

xxii + 517pp + Plates.

Weight approximately 958g unpacked.

Dimensions: Approximately 242mm high x 170mm wide x 45mm deep.