A Noble Madness by James Delbourgo
A Noble Madness: The Dark Side Of Collecting From Antiquity To Now by James DelbourgoBrand New Arc CopyPaperback Genre: HistoryA captivating history of obsessive collectors: from ancient looters and idolaters to fin de siècle decadents, Freudian psychos, and hoarders.Collectors are often praised for their taste in art or contributions to science, and considered magnificent public benefactors. But collectors have also been seen as dangerous obsessives who love objects too much. Why? From looters and idolaters to fin de siècle decadents and Freudian psychos, A Noble Madness is a captivating history of obsessive collectors from ancient times to today.From Roman emperors lusting after statues to current-day hoarders, award-winning author James Delbourgo tells the extraordinary story of fanatical collectors throughout history. He explains how the idea first emerged that when we look at someone’s collection, we see a portrait of their soul: complex, intriguing, yet possibly insane. C