Though mostly out of public view, art crime is a very lucrative global business. In introducing this collection of 20 essays by international interdisciplinary experts, Charney (Association for Research into Crimes Against Art) situates "the quiet crime" in the contexts of organized crime, terrorist groups, and the need for better policing policies. Via case studies and interviews, he addresses disputes over ownership of cultural heritage and wartime plundered art, authenticity, and museum security. The volume includes statistics, reflections on why masterpieces matter, and art images. Charney treated such issues in his novel, The Art Thief (2007). Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)