What Isabella Wanted: Isabella Stewart Gardner Builds a Museum

by Candace Fleming

Matt Cordell (Illustrator) and Matthew Cordell (Illustrator)

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Book cover for What Isabella Wanted

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From multiple award-winning author Candace Fleming and Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell comes the true story of a woman who always got what she wanted: Isabella Stewart Gardner.

A New England Book Award Finalist

For years, the indomitable Isabella Stewart Gardner searched the world for magnificent artwork and filled her home with a truly unique collection, with the aim of turning it into a museum, which she established in 1903.

Isabella always did things her own way. One day she'd wear baseball gear to the symphony, the next, she'd be seen strolling down the street with zoo lions. It was no surprised that she was very particular about how she arranged her exhibits. They were not organized historically, stylistically, or by artist. Instead, they were arranged based on the connections Isabella felt toward the art, a connection she hoped to encourage in her visitors.

For years, her museum delighted generations of Bostonians and visitors with the collections arranged exactly as she wanted. But in 1990, a spectacular burglary occurred when two thieves disguised as police officers stole thirteen paintings, valued at $500 million, including a Rembrandt and a Vermeer. They have yet to be recovered, though a $10 million reward is still being offered for their safe return.

Author Candace Fleming perfectly captures Isabella's inimitable personality and drive, accompanied by exuberant illustrations by Matthew Cordell.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A CCBC Choice
  • ISBN10 0823442632
  • ISBN13 9780823442638
  • Publish Date 7 September 2021
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country US
  • Imprint Neal Porter Books