The Strange Life of Objects, First Edition

The Strange Life of Objects 35 Centuries of Art Collecting & Collectors, by Maurice Rheims. Atheneum Publishers, New York, 1961. First American Edition. Illustrated with 48 reproductions in half-tone. 274 pages.

"This book tells about what happens to objects of art after their creation: about the foibles of collectors, the variations of fashion, the decisions of dealers, the fluctuations of value. It includes a penetrating, amusing and highly original study of the psychology of collecting--the hoarding, treasuring and amassing instincts. Frankly and with great wit, the author concerns himself with art objects in many societies: as loot, as value, as status symbols, as enrichment, as learning. Filled with anecdotes, tales and inside information, The Strange Life of Objects is also stuffed like a treasure chest with imposing names, huge prices and deeds of bravado connected with buying art or selling it or taking it away from others."

Hardcover with dust jacket. Book is in excellent condition. Tight copy. Inscribed on the inside page. Dust jacket in good condition with a tiny closed tear at the top, protected in a Mylar cover.

A great book for collectors!