This book contains a very cogent critique and satire of modern art (pottery) and its critics, a very witty book. Has some nice eccentric characters, such as the humbug Bunderby, one of Freeman"s specialties. The plot is also ingenious, with poisoning by arsenic and the destruction of a body in a pottery kiln. The Scotland Yard detective Inspector Blandy is a good foil to Thorndyke.