The conference, held in Vienna in April 2008, was founded on the premise that theory and practice are not in fact separate entities, and that the link between them can become comprehensible by
sharing experiences and engaging with the current debate on the conservation of art, buildings, and other artefacts of cultural heritage. Archeologists, art historians, and other contributors
cover reflections on the European roots of conservation, from European standards to global issues, perspectives from the scientific committees, and conservation philosophy in today's
transcultural reality. Among the 20 topics are John Ruskin as the Good Steward and his influence today, changing concepts of authenticity from Venice 1964 to Nara 1994, theoretical and
practical issues of conservation in the context of tourism, and the cult of authenticity in the age of fake. A tribute to Riegl is presented in English and German. There is no index.
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