The Epitome of Desire

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Summary: How do you create a museum?
Review: How do you create a museum? People collect. Collections evolve and are admired by others. Properly nurtured a collection may take up a life of its own. At some point it becomes a stand alone entity. Humankind has always desired to keep desirable collections of objects together in perpetuity to study and admire. And because "all this must be left behind" museums are created. Wilson's book Epitome of Desire wonderfully chronicles the life of Patsy and Raymond Nasher as they first begin their collection to the construction of magnificent new Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas. Nasher then becomes a artist when he uses his art to create a center worthy of their collection. Brought to life by such warm insights such as daughter Joanie remembering, "It was kind of fantasy and whimsical. I can remember doing my homework leaning on a Henry Moore. We were encouraged by our parents to touch the sculpture" but had to remember "don't spill anything on the carpet." Just as the collection is worthy of the Nashers, and the new Sculpture Center is worthy of the collection, Wilson's book Epitome of Desire is worthy of the story of the collection. A must read for museum professionals.