Plunder - the appropriation by richer and stronger nations of cultural treasures belonging to poorer peoples - has become an occasion of international scandal. Conquering nations have looted the vanquished since the beginning of history, but in recent years many have questioned the legality and morality of one nation retaining the historical treasures of another. This book examines the looting of major ancient civilizations and of many Third World nations. It ranges from the pillage of important archaeological sites in Greece and Egypt to the campaign of Hitler, the last of the great modern looters, and includes the fate of the Stone of Scone and other major symbols of nationhood, as well as the reasons behind Napoleon's looting. Russell Chamberlin's book is a lively and informative exploration of the passion for collecting and its effects on the course of history.