----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Iain Pears has written a series featuring Jonathan Argyll, a young art historian based in Rome. Also, in the 80s Carolyn Coker wrote several books with a paintings conservator as the protagonist, who of course had an art historical background. John Malcolm's series about Tim Simpson, who acquires art for the art investment fund of a British bank might also quality. I can't remember if Simpson has an art history degree or not, but he is certainly portrayed as being very knowledgeable about English art history (and he was a rugby player in university); his wife is a curator at the Tate, although she is a supporting character. Amy Navratil Ciccone University of Southern California Doheny Memorial Library Los Angeles, CA 90089-0182 [log in to unmask] 213-740-1958 (voice) 213-749-1221 (fax)