Contemporary Perspectives on the Detection, Investigation and Prosecution of Art Crime

"In Contemporary perspectives, Duncan Chappell and Damien Huffer bring a helpful perspective on the looting of archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and the appearance of material on the Australian market...Chappell and Huffer are undoubtedly correct in their assessment that “In the longer term it is likely to be a better informed and motivated public, rather than punitive measures, that reduces demand for looted objects” (p. 254)."

David W.J. Gill, Heritage Futures Research Unit, University Campus Suffolk, Antiquity

’An invaluable source for all practitioners involved in the investigation and recovery of stolen cultural property. This excellent collection by leading experts provides a well-balanced and informative guide to the existing legal and investigative issues, and makes a significant and practical contribution to a better understanding of them.’ Richard Ellis, Founder of the Art Squad, New Scotland Yard and Director of The Art Management Group Ltd 'This compilation of essays about art crime is essential reading for anyone interested in the topic. With a range of international contributions, including works from some of the leading voices in this field, the complexities of analysing and policing art crime are given impressively broad coverage. Art theft, fakery and frauds, and trafficking in cultural property are all explored here, through contributions not only from highly regarded academics, but also from key practitioners including an art dealer, a conservator/authenticator, a police officer and a senior UNESCO official. In their selection of chapters, the editors have skilfully combined baseline information and case study with critical commentary, to produce a text that is genuinely enlightening and progressive.' Simon Mackenzie, University of Glasgow, UK ’This book will enthral anyone with even a passing interest in art, antiquities, history, culture or crime. It’s an ambitious but wholly successful attempt to address a huge subject. The contributors are without doubt experts in their field - this is abundantly evident in all three parts of the book. Maybe more of a surprise is the passion with which they bring this fascinating subject to life, creating a genuinely intriguing read.’

Vernon Rapley, Head of Security & Visitor Services, Victoria & Albert Museum, UK; Retired Head of the Art & Antiques Unit, New Scotland Yard, UK; and Chairman of The National Museum Security Group (UK)

'Chappell is a pioneer in this field... having researched and published on the subject of art crime for close to two decades. Hufnagel too has authored important work in the area and between them they have brought together an impressive cadre of writers including Neil Brodie, co-editor of three seminal books on the antiquities trade...'

Julian R. Murphy, Judge’s Associate, High Court of Australia, Australia, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology