It is obvious from even a cursory read of this book that Theodore Vrettos did an incredible amount of research. Fortunately for the reader, the story does not suffer from overindulgence in mere historical fact, as there are plenty of extremely personal anecdotes which keep the story moving at an even pace.

It is amazing that Elgin (barely) made it through this escapade alive, and more so that he didn't make a dime from "acquiring" antiquities from ancient cultures which, in his opinion, could neither appreciate nor adequately tend to these treasures. That the battle to possess the marbles continues to this day is testament to the passions of the people involved.

My one complaint with the book as a whole was the last chapter, entitled "The Trial." Don't let it fool you, Elgin wasn't brought to trial for theft, as he should have been. The trial in question is that of his wife's lover, on trial for adultery. I found the inclusion of this rather! lengthy chapter not pertinent to the story of the marbles; it would've ended the book just as well to merely point out the financial losses Elgin suffered without the detail of the trial. Otherwise, this is well written and an educational read.

This historically accurate book does not need any pondering of motives, but the facts themselves are so bizarre and amazing, you are free to draw your own conclusion. Imagine being a nemesis of Napolean Bonaparte. Even though the gods deigned to punish Elgin from day one, he was single-minded in his pursuit to obtain the equities he alone decided should be taken from their origins. Enjoy the ride of greed, lust and devine retribution. It's thought provoking and certainly envokes a passionate response.