-- An important and well-illustrated discussion on the preservation of some of our most important landmarks. With time, the residences of kings, aristocrats, artists and collectors become museums in themselves; the priority today consists of maintaining not only their artistic heritage and entire collection of furnishings but also the character of private places. Every single restoration must preserve the context of its objects. Such issues were discussed in November 1997 during an international conference promoted by the Superintendence of the Environmental and Architectural Heritage of Liguria. Now, the testimonies offered by the directors of museums and officials of such institutions have been collected in this volume. A fascinating and illuminating argument for 'the noble sacrifice of leaving things in their place'.