The newly released film about brave men and women going behind enemy lines to protect western cultural treasures from the Nazis during World War II was inspired by the Monuments Men book by Robert Edsel. This Texan author and art lover has become dedicated to continuing the effort to restore valuable objects to their rightful owners. The book came out in 2009 and became a best seller. Edsel has written a sequel, Saving Italy, which continues the saga of the search.
Robert Edsel has dedicated his personal fortune and his time in recent years to bringing attention to the World War II effort to return looted art to its rightful owners. He has produced a documentary, written a best-seller and its sequel, and founded a non-profit organization to educate and engage the public. It's a fact that many stolen treasures are still missing, and that others are still being discovered and returned.
The book is the story of a group of art historians, museum curators, architects, and soldiers who made up a force sanctioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Well-known actors represent the World War I veteran, the ballet director, the art conservation expert, and the other scholars who left their families and risked the dangers of combat to preserve western culture.
The mission soon expanded to cover paintings, sculpture, and other art as well. Two of the unit were killed in action, but the group succeeded in recovering over five million valuable objects from Nazi collections or supporters. The group was formed in 1943 and continued its efforts for eight years.
The fact that many items remain hidden was highlighted by the recent discovery of more than 1400 valuable objects in a Munich apartment. The man who hoarded these treasures claims they are rightfully his by inheritance. His father was an art dealer commissioned by Hitler to dispose of art considered 'degenerate'.
Edsel has devoted his personal fortune and his time to finding more lost masterpieces. He recently spotted two paintings on the 'still missing' list in a Texas museum. They were taken from the Rothschild family during the War. However, the documentation on the paintings is not available. Perhaps they were returned to the family and later sold legally or perhaps they are still stolen objects.
Edsel's foundation continues to support the return of valuables, sometimes taken home by soldiers as souvenirs. Recently a veteran returned two rare and extremely old books he had in his home. The Hollywood movie may encourage others to examine the things they have that may fit in this category.
The engrossing book is an account of heroism that really happened as the world suffered through World War II. Espionage, daring, secret missions, and exciting discoveries were all part of the story. By the way, keep an eye out for the Raphael and the Van Gogh that are still missing, if you want to help get treasures back to those who once owned them.
Robert Edsel has dedicated his personal fortune and his time in recent years to bringing attention to the World War II effort to return looted art to its rightful owners. He has produced a documentary, written a best-seller and its sequel, and founded a non-profit organization to educate and engage the public. It's a fact that many stolen treasures are still missing, and that others are still being discovered and returned.
The book is the story of a group of art historians, museum curators, architects, and soldiers who made up a force sanctioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Well-known actors represent the World War I veteran, the ballet director, the art conservation expert, and the other scholars who left their families and risked the dangers of combat to preserve western culture.
The mission soon expanded to cover paintings, sculpture, and other art as well. Two of the unit were killed in action, but the group succeeded in recovering over five million valuable objects from Nazi collections or supporters. The group was formed in 1943 and continued its efforts for eight years.
The fact that many items remain hidden was highlighted by the recent discovery of more than 1400 valuable objects in a Munich apartment. The man who hoarded these treasures claims they are rightfully his by inheritance. His father was an art dealer commissioned by Hitler to dispose of art considered 'degenerate'.
Edsel has devoted his personal fortune and his time to finding more lost masterpieces. He recently spotted two paintings on the 'still missing' list in a Texas museum. They were taken from the Rothschild family during the War. However, the documentation on the paintings is not available. Perhaps they were returned to the family and later sold legally or perhaps they are still stolen objects.
Edsel's foundation continues to support the return of valuables, sometimes taken home by soldiers as souvenirs. Recently a veteran returned two rare and extremely old books he had in his home. The Hollywood movie may encourage others to examine the things they have that may fit in this category.
The engrossing book is an account of heroism that really happened as the world suffered through World War II. Espionage, daring, secret missions, and exciting discoveries were all part of the story. By the way, keep an eye out for the Raphael and the Van Gogh that are still missing, if you want to help get treasures back to those who once owned them.
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Read the monuments men book by getting your copy online. Come and visit the website now at http://thenoblesculptor.com and place your order right away!
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