“The Elgin Affair: The True Story of the Greatest Theft in History”

Welcome to Museum Reads, the Newport Art Museum’s Art-Themed book group for adults! Are you looking to learn more about art and artists, or enjoy digging into some of the issues present in our current exhibitions? Then this friendly discussion group is for you. We meet monthly on the third Thursday at 12 noon, in person and virtually. Join us virtually from the office for an invigorating lunch break, or enjoy an hour of inspiration during a wee one’s nap time, or find us in the gallery for in-person conversation.

The Elgin Affair: The True Story of the Greatest Theft in History by Theodore Vrettos

Every year, millions of people visit London’s British Museum to admire the magnificent Greek sculptures that adorned the Parthenon in Athens for more than two thousand years. This compelling and controversial story of the Elgin Marbles (named for Thomas Bruce, seventh earl of Elgin, who stripped the Parthenon of these exquisite works in what has been called “the greatest art theft in history”) re-creates in full and colorful detail a steamy tale of obsession, intrigue, adultery, and ruin. Drawing on original source material – letters, diaries, official government reports and memoranda, together with the full divorce proceedings of a scandalous adultery trial in Edinburgh – and on his earlier work on the subject, Vrettos brings brilliantly to life these fascinating events of history. Rounding out the story of the marbles, the author concludes with the latest battles between the Greek and English governments over the rightful ownership of these priceless treasures.

Museum Reads is free for Members, and $5 for yet-to-be Members.  

Be sure to register online to receive email updates and Zoom links.
For last minute registrations, please call the front desk for the Zoom link at 401-848-8200.

Theodore Vrettos was the author of several books of fiction and non-fiction, including two earlier works on the Elgin marbles: A Shadow of Magnitude and Lord Elgin’s Lady. He lived in Peabody, Massachusetts.