Art investment is a booming global market which has not yet been affected by market uncertainty in other investment sectors. Prices are surging, and auction records are constantly being broken in terms of prices paid for Old Masters, Impressionist paintings, and works from the contemporary sector. According to the annual Hiscox Art Market research report, prices for contemporary art rose by 55% in the year to mid-2007. But are such increases sustainable? Do other world markets, and different art categories, offer better potential for future returns?  This timely new book, the first to assess art's potential as an investment class on a country-by-country basis, is designed for collectors and investors looking to broaden their knowledge of the global market for art investment -- including history, buying patterns, and future trends for many countries around the world. Locally-based experts supplement James Goodwin's extensive knowledge of world art markets.