Making the Mummies Dance : Inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art,   ISBN:9780671880750

Customer Rating: 

I loved Thomas Hoving's story of the Bury St. Edmund's cross. But this book is so jammed with gossip, opinion, and self-aggrandizement (and just self!) that I got sick of it. There is hardly a paragraph in the entire book that doesn't contain the words, "I" or "my" or "me" or "we"!

Customer Rating: 

I first read Making the Mummies Dance over 10 years ago, when I checked it out from the Missoula Public Library. I checked it out again a couple of years ago, and finally decided to buy my own copy. It's a very interesting look into the backend of museums and the art world. The information has been useful, now that I have many friends and web development students in the art world.

I especially like the comments Walter Hoving made about his step-mother training him in manners and how that made a difference in his life. Those types of details make this book more than just a dry, factual tome.

Customer Rating: 

Fascinating account of the stormy years that Dr. Hoving was the Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One may not like some of what he did or how it did it as Director, but it was very interesting and he accomplished a great deal for the museum. A great read for those interested in museums, art, etc.

Customer Rating: 

Hoving dishes the dirt as only he can, in this totally addictive romp through the world of collectors, dealers, and socialites. Hoving is clearly in love with his subject-himself!-but he gives such a rare and fascinating look at what goes on behind the scenes in the lives of the movers and shakers that his self-involvement doesn't really detract much from what is just a great read. Highly recommend this book!

Customer Rating: 

This book appeals to a select audience. Those who enjoy reading about the great chase for the treasures of the world. Treasures that wars have been fought over. Those who enjoy reading about the super-rich and their foibles. Those who enjoy reading about the intrigues and back stabbings in elite organizations (this book makes The Apprentice look like a pillow fight). And finally those who enjoy reading about a man's all consuming ambition to succeed and yet through it all remain passionate about great art. If any of the above is your cub of tea then you are going to love this. I absolutely recommend his later book 'False Impressions'. And yes, the author spares no punches in his analysis of alot of famous people.