The Collectors: Being Cases mostly under the Ninth and Tenth Commandments

A witty, slightly mischievous look at the world of art collecting frames this assortment of short works. It opens with a lyrical ballade that openly confesses the greed and vanity of those who hoard beautiful objects, setting a playful yet moral tone. From there the book moves through a series of sketches that expose the quirks, deceptions, and occasional hubris of painters, patrons, and critics alike.

The individual stories range from a candid portrait of a clever picture‑forger to a tale of a sophisticated lady outwitting an unsuspecting expert, and from a brief interlude that reveals the double‑talk of truth‑seekers to a haunting episode involving a cursed object that upsets a New York couple. Interwoven with these narratives are thoughtful reflections that offer tongue‑in‑cheek justifications for the collector’s habit, making the collection both entertaining and gently provocative for anyone curious about the hidden side of the art market.