"Essential reading for those interested in the dispute, and indeed in the wider debate around repatriation of cultural objects." --James Morton, The Times "Given Herman's legal credentials, readers might not expect the sensitivity he brings to questions far removed from parsing the clauses of Ottoman decrees . Plenty of clear-eyed research and sufficient goodwill." -Literary Review of Canada "Alexander Herman's judicious study of the still-unresolved wrangling over those ninety big pieces of sublimely carved marble, along with a few smaller fragments, provides timely grounding for a better grasp of the wider issues . Given Herman's legal credentials, readers might not expect the sensitivity he brings to questions far removed from parsing the clauses of Ottoman decrees." -Literary Review of Canada "[An] even-handed and refreshing approach to this immensely complex dispute . An important contribution has been made to identify areas of compromise that might help resolve this long-running dispute." -- Returning Heritage "Alexander Herman has written a lucid and engaging guide to the world's longest-standing cultural dispute.

Like so many of us, he hopes for its resolution, and is scrupulously fair and even-handed in explaining how this might happen." -- Barnaby Phillips, author of 'Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes' "Anyone with an interest in world history and cultural heritage will learn a lot from reading this careful study of the world's toughest argument over art and restitution. Its approach is both rigorous and empathetic, an impressive combination." -- Bruce Clark, Economist writer on history, culture and ideas, Author of 'Athens: City of Wisdom' "It is a remarkable achievement to write with such balance and authority on so fraught a question, even more impressive when so many believe they have an answer; from now on no-one should venture an opinion without reading this gripping and important analysis." -- Sir Alan Moses, former Lord Justice of Appeal and co-chair of the UK's Spoliation Advisory Panel "This is a great book, with very useful up-to-date insights into the subject's history. But it doesn't stop there. Substantial, thoughtful essays on law, museums, nations and conflict resolution are valuable not just to this dispute, but to other comparable cases as well." -- Mike Pitts.