False Dawn

Set in the mid-1800s, the first novella of the "Old New York" series follows Lewis Raycie as he embarks on a European Grand Tour, tasked with acquiring renowned artworks. Despite his father's hopes for a Raphael, Lewis brings back a unique collection of Renaissance masterpieces by artists like Piero della Francesca, which remain largely unrecognized in America during his lifetime. Ultimately, the true value of his collection is only appreciated after his death.