One of the greatest art theft stories of the 20th century: Andreacute; Malraux; French novelist; art theorist; and eventually Francersquo;s Minister of Cultural Affairs; and his wife; Clara; traveled to Cambodia in 1923; planning to steal and smuggle artifacts out of the country and sell them in America. The Cambodian treasure hunt promised to be a mix of cultural sleuthing for important antiquities and risk-taking on the fuzzy edge of the laws that governed historical sites. The jungle expedition ended in arrest and; for Andreacute;; trial and conviction. But it also led to a second Asian venture: the launching of a Saigon newspaper; Lrsquo;Indochine; dedicated to the aspirations of the indigenous population. Madsen follows the couple from this fateful adventure that so shaped their future to the end of their marriage; and after.
#2563208 in eBooks 2015-05-06 2015-05-06File Name: B00U6DQRH6
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. The story of a free thinkerBy ShimonOne of the Rothschilds has written a very sensitive and loving; though quite objective; biography of another member of her famous family. It must not be easy to write about someone in your [extended] family when you are a member of the same one.Nevertheless; Hannah Rothschild has created a story with wide reach into the political and social worlds of the early 20th Century; as well as the idiosyncrasies of some of the Rothschilds.Pannonica really became "Nica" when jazz tunes were written for her; and she must have reveled in that; since Nica seems to have been a much happier person than Pannonica. The fearlessness; and even recklessness; with which Nica immersed herself into what was really a totally different culture to the one she grew up in; is wonderfully told; a subtle but powerful testament to the draw of timeless musical art. She might have been "the rebellious Rothschild"; but she was also an important patron of an original art form.If you enjoy the book; you should also seek out "Straight; No Chaser"; the Monk documentary where she appears; all too briefly.In the end; Nica was as quirky a character as the writer of the music she loved so much - Thelonious Sphere Monk.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Rich Historical and Contemporary Legacy of the Rothschild Family Through the Eyes of One Young Womans Rebellion!By CustomerHannah Rothschild perhaps; at times; feels impaired by her own Rothschild legacy; but; she is an amazing talent! -A friend of mine was in London and purchased a more recent book by Ms Rothschild; "The Improbability of Love". Had I seen this paperback at my local Barnes Nobles I would not picked it up because the cover makes it appear to be a trashy modern romance. But that little paperback was simply delightful embracing the art world through one historical painting; and capturing the contemporary London scene. I was so enthused that I searched for other books by this author (whom Id never heard of). Thus I found "The Search for Nica". After reading it; I am totally in awe of Ms Rothschilds talent! Im sure it was cathartic for Ms Rothschild to trace her own family history through her great-aunts life; but; she did it beautifully and in a balanced way. Im grateful that she took the enormous time to do the interviews and documents research; and I am deeply grateful that she allowed the book to go to print. It allows us to understand the richness and tragedy of one persons life. -- Thank you Ms Rothschild. Please write more; you have a wonderful gift.19 of 20 people found the following review helpful. 100 years in a dayBy R. BurnsMy interest in music is extremely eclectic and my interest in Thelonius Monk has happened slowly over the last decade. I am ambiguous about labelling Monk a genius but acknowledge his importance in the evolution of music (jazz if you must apply a label)So the main reason for buying the book was to learn more about Monk and the music that he composed; played and also influenced in the period of the 1940s and 1950s.What I experienced in the reading was much more than an insight into Monk and that period.The majority of the book focuses on the period from the mid 19th century to the mid 20th century.The succinct history of the Rothschild Empire is mixed with the landscape of Europe; United Kingdom; America and other countries impacted by in particular the great wars.Overlaying this is the evolution of Jazz music set in context of the era and the geography.It is not limited to but flows from Louis Armstrong through Duke Ellington onto Monk; Miles and Bird.Yet whilst it is an excellent historical summary on many levels it also is an emotionally engaging read.I connected with Nica and her family and the musicians - the connections with Nica and the musicicains was more often than not uncomfortable.The connection however was raw and real.I came away with an ambivalent feeling about Nica - suspended with feelings of admiration;empathy and frustration but still wanting to know more.Highly recommended
