A "great art has terrible manners"! From the first lines of this dramatic narration is obviously: a famous historian and science popularizer Simon Шама do not intend to try on itself the role of authoritative museum guide unhastily leading from a masterpiece to the masterpiece trustful group of thirsty to touch to wonderful. And that is why do not hope on an easy walk on museum halls - instead of her eccentric escort, not seconds not помешкав on a threshold, will simply push you in a door master, where in this moment is on light one of the most meaningful works of art. Maybe, prospect to become the witness of it and face to face to run into his creator does not disturb you beforehand? Well that, an author will try to correct it. Resolutely arguing with those, who considers the romantic fairy-tales of history about мятущихся genii and painfulness of act of creation, Simon Шама fearlessly disserts upon power that is impossible to resist, about insuperable thirst, about shattering passion - about transforming force of art, in face of that appear both a spectator and creator is powerless.