Martin Clay, a young would-be art historian, suddenly sees opening in front of him the chance of a lifetime : the opportunity to perform a great public service, and at the same time to make his professional reputation - perhaps even rather a lot of money as well. To obtain the treasure he thinks bc has identified involves him setting up a classic sting and risking everything that is valuable to him - and so lie finds himself drawn step by step into a moral and intellectual labyrinth.
Martin Clay, a young would-be art historian, suddenly sees opening in front of him the chance of a lifetime : the opportunity to perform a great public service, and at the same time to make his professional reputation - perhaps even rather a lot of money as well. To obtain the treasure he thinks bc has identified involves him setting up a classic sting and risking everything that is valuable to him - and so lie finds himself drawn step by step into a moral and intellectual labyrinth.