Though conservation plays a decisive role in the public's experience of artworks in museums, visitors are often unaware of what it takes to keep them vibrant, intact and in some cases existent, and until now there has never been a comprehensive, accessible volume that explains this science to the layperson. Here, the respected conservation scholar Richard Newman recounts tales of uncovered forgeries and unknown masterpieces from more than 130 years of MFA history--tales of important works rescued from neglect and abuse, and of new insights that have helped us understand how artists and craftspeople throughout history worked, lived and created the masterpieces we now see on display. Covering objects from all periods, media and genres--ancient to contemporary, painting to furniture, Eastern to Western--this latest volume in the MFA Highlights series invites readers to share a backstage look at the restoration, study and even discovery of some of the world's most remarkable artworks.