Robert Edsel talked about his book The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History (Center Street; September 3, 2009). In his book he recounts the story of the Allied Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives (MFAA) unit that consisted of women and men from thirteen nations that were entrusted in recovering European cultural artifacts that were stolen by the Nazis during World War II. The unit was composed of art historians, curators, and artists who improvised a myriad of sources to track down the stolen fine art. He focused on the eleven-month period between D-Day and V-E Day when a small group made an unprecedented attempt to save art from destruction. Mr. Edsel talked about the extent and premeditation of the Nazi art collection efforts and ongoing efforts to restore artwork, including by his foundation. Mr. Edsel used slides and video during his presentation during which he paid tribute to all veterans. Mr. Edsel responded to questions from members of the audience at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.


Robert Edsel is the author of Rescuing Da Vinci and the co-producer of a documentary film that explores the history of Europe's stolen masterpieces during World War II titled, The Rape of Europa. Mr. Edsel is the founder of The Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art that was the recipient of the National Humanities Medal in 2007.