An Innocent Eye

by Philip Hook

A man is found dead in a London hotel room, the only clue to his identity a polaroid of a lost Impressionist painting. A young man inherits his mother's diaries and realises her early life in France was much more eventful than he'd realised. And as the extent of the past's effect on the present becomes clear, Daniel is caught up in a web of conspiracy and betrayal that began decades ago.

406 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2001

About the author

Philip Hook joined Sotheby’s Impressionist and Modern Art Department as the senior specialist in 1994. Sotheby’s is the most prestigious Fine Art Auction House in the UK. He read History of Art at the University of Cambridge where he also won a soccer blue. In 1973 Philip joined Christie’s directly from University. He headed Christie’s 19th Century Paintings Department from 1980 to 1987. In between working at the two auction houses he founded a London art dealers, The St. James’s Art Group.

He has over 35 years of experience and expertise of the art market, he is the author of five successful novels set in the art world and his book Breakfast at Sotheby’s: An A-Z of The Art World was published by Penguin in November 2013. The latter discusses art’s value as an investment and its place in our society.

Philip has appeared regularly on The Antiques Roadshow (BBC) as a picture expert. He makes frequent public speaking appearances, covering a range of art-related subjects.

Philip’s latest book, Rogues’ Gallery: A History of Art and its Dealers (Feb 2017) exposes five centuries of history, scandals, big wins and horrifying losses in the international art world.

Reviews

[Julian Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fourth cracking novel based on intrigue in the art world.

Skilfully blending seemingly unconnected story strands into one, his traditional approach of focusing on one painting (with misappropriation during World War Two), creates a highly readable, pacey thriller.

Perfect escapism.