How did a Lithuanian immigrant rise to become the most influential and controversial arbiter of Renaissance art in the early twentieth century? Meryle Secrest utilizes extensive archival research and personal correspondence to reconstruct the life of Bernard Berenson, examining his transformation from a penniless student to the primary advisor for the world's wealthiest art collectors. The narrative explores the complex intersection of Berenson's intellectual ambitions, his professional relationship with dealer Joseph Duveen, and the ethical ambiguities inherent in the high-stakes art market of his era.

Critics and historians frequently cite this work as a definitive account of Berenson's professional impact on the American art market. Readers often note the meticulous detail regarding the mechanics of art dealing and the academic rigor applied to the subject's complex legacy.