The authors idea of a shoestring is a lot more than mine. This book is about how to buy art intelligently if you only have a couple of thousand to spend for each work. That said it is a good introductory book for people just starting serious collecting of art. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone contemplating collecting art. ( )

This guide is useful, but "shoestring" is a relative term. Obviously, if you're having struggles putting food on the table, fine art is a luxury that you probably will choose to forego (but your priorities are your own!)

If you want to indulge yourself in this, but you're not a wealthy person in the top 1%, or 5%, or 10%, or whatever - you know, a normal person - this book is not a bad guide for finding art that is of good quality, often by well-known artists, that you enjoy (that's most important!), and is affordable. (Let the 1% chase the trends. The rest of us can chase quality that we appreciate.) ( )

His shoe strings and my shoe strings do not resemble each other. However, he is knowledgeable, passionate, and educated about the art he loves and how the auction world works. He provides valuable information about terminology, pricing, the hidden costs, and the other challenges one encounters. While it isn't an area of art I find interesting, I found his passion enough to compel me to look up a few of the artists. It is both an enjoyable and informative read. ( )

A very good introduction to art collecting. if your just getting started he explains the basics, how things work and what to look for, He is very passionate for his area of interest which was Original pieces by dead artists working in the modern style and his definition of a shoestring is very deference than mine.. I think the book could be stronger by discussing other possible areas of collecting.but it is really helpful on how to research. ( )

A good introductory book on art collecting, written in an accessible conversational style. The author focuses on collecting Dead Artists and makes a good case for why he collects their works; just be aware if this is not your area of interest. Too many anecdotes and irrelevancies for my taste; I found the chapters on research and 'What is Great Art' most interesting and useful. ( )