The Monuments Men book is set in Nazi Europe and tells the tale of a little known US Army unit. This unit, known as the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section is given special orders delivered straight from President Roosevelt by way of General Eisenhower himself, to protect the cultural artifacts that were made vulnerable by the war coursing around them. The soldiers who formed this select group were known as, "The Monuments Men."
Towards the end of World War II world leaders and experts in the arts world became concerned at the very real danger of some of the world's patrimony being lost forever. The threat of theft and destruction of valuable pieces of art and monuments was already happening and had to be brought under control. This led to the creation of the special unit whose chief orders were to seek out and protect these for the future of mankind's cultural heritage.
This often neglected aspect to the war in Europe makes for fascinating reading. You are invited into the world of intrigue as a collection of specially chosen unit members ranging from professiona such as archivists, curators and educators hunt down priceless artworks and save them from the Nazis. Much was at risk as the Nazis picked off masterpieces and destroyed without a second thought art that was determined to be "degenerate".
The author of the book is Robert M Edsel, who gave up his profession in the United States to move to Europe and explore his passions. Along the way he began to investigate what happened to artworks and pieces of cultural importance during the World Wars. With his curiosity piqued, he began to unravel its fascinating history.
What he found is a fascinating group of men and women who came together to form the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Unit. Together this unit raced against the clock to seek out and save important cultural artwork, relics and artifacts in war torn Europe. They were drawn from various professions, but together they are responsible for much of the artworks we can still appreciate to this day. This well written and enthralling page turner takes you back decades into the action on a true treasure hunt of epic proportions.
Edsel is also the author of Rescuing Da Vinci, which explores an impressive art heist. Originally Edsel was involved in gas and oil business, but left the industry in order to indulge his love of the arts, and moved to Florence, Italy. Upon visiting some of the great city's museums he began to wonder about how so many of the pieces on display had made it through the world wars unscathed and intact.
Recently, the story has leaped off the page and into the studio where it has been screen written and produced by George Clooney. The movie release in 2014 boasts a stand out cast headed by George Clooney with Bill Murray and Matt Damon. It will be distributed by 20th Century Fox and Columbia Pictures.
For a non-stop, twisting and turning tale that offers roller coaster after loop the loop of adventures, the Monuments Men book is a fantastic choice. Not only is it an incredible read, it offers a unique glimpse into an aspect of war torn Europe that has previously been largely ignored in popular culture. This book opens your eyes to a whole new class of war time hero.
Towards the end of World War II world leaders and experts in the arts world became concerned at the very real danger of some of the world's patrimony being lost forever. The threat of theft and destruction of valuable pieces of art and monuments was already happening and had to be brought under control. This led to the creation of the special unit whose chief orders were to seek out and protect these for the future of mankind's cultural heritage.
This often neglected aspect to the war in Europe makes for fascinating reading. You are invited into the world of intrigue as a collection of specially chosen unit members ranging from professiona such as archivists, curators and educators hunt down priceless artworks and save them from the Nazis. Much was at risk as the Nazis picked off masterpieces and destroyed without a second thought art that was determined to be "degenerate".
The author of the book is Robert M Edsel, who gave up his profession in the United States to move to Europe and explore his passions. Along the way he began to investigate what happened to artworks and pieces of cultural importance during the World Wars. With his curiosity piqued, he began to unravel its fascinating history.
What he found is a fascinating group of men and women who came together to form the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Unit. Together this unit raced against the clock to seek out and save important cultural artwork, relics and artifacts in war torn Europe. They were drawn from various professions, but together they are responsible for much of the artworks we can still appreciate to this day. This well written and enthralling page turner takes you back decades into the action on a true treasure hunt of epic proportions.
Edsel is also the author of Rescuing Da Vinci, which explores an impressive art heist. Originally Edsel was involved in gas and oil business, but left the industry in order to indulge his love of the arts, and moved to Florence, Italy. Upon visiting some of the great city's museums he began to wonder about how so many of the pieces on display had made it through the world wars unscathed and intact.
Recently, the story has leaped off the page and into the studio where it has been screen written and produced by George Clooney. The movie release in 2014 boasts a stand out cast headed by George Clooney with Bill Murray and Matt Damon. It will be distributed by 20th Century Fox and Columbia Pictures.
For a non-stop, twisting and turning tale that offers roller coaster after loop the loop of adventures, the Monuments Men book is a fantastic choice. Not only is it an incredible read, it offers a unique glimpse into an aspect of war torn Europe that has previously been largely ignored in popular culture. This book opens your eyes to a whole new class of war time hero.
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