A Discussion With Robert M. Edsel, author of The Monuments Men Special

During World War II, brave individuals who preserved works of art from Nazi Germany saved symbols of Western civilization. These men and women set the standard for how to save history during a time of war.

Robert M. Edsel has written The Monuments Men, documenting the bravery of those in the face of danger who saved much of Western culture during a time of destruction. Edsel is the founder of the Dallas-based Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art. Recently his name has been in the news when an art book of Hitler's was discovered on the bookshelf of World War II veteran, John Pistone. Robert M. Edsel discussed his involvement with the Monuments Men story and how he came to write his book with Digital Journal. DJ: What got you involved in the The Monuments Men story?

Edsel: I was deeply moved and frankly, embarrassed, that despite knowing how badly Europe was devastated by World War II, it has never occurred to me to wonder, "How did all the great art and cultural treasures--paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci, Sculpture by Michelangelo, the world's greatest libraries and churches--survive the most destructive war ever, in particular from theft by the Nazis? Who were the people who saved them?" And it was the seemingly simple question 13 years ago that lead my work today to tell the story of the Monuments men and women.

DJ: What do you think is the most important aspects of these men? Edsel: These men had an average age of 40, most all with accomplished careers and families, yet they walked away from everything to walk into harm's way to make their contribution to the greatest generation. In fact, two were killed during combat, yet they wanted to serve and serve they did. Would museum employees, librarians, and artists do the same in today's world? DJ: Do you think that there should be more press about the Monuments Men from World War II?

Edsel:I think every man and woman in uniform is a hero. I think that the story of the greatest theft in history--the hundreds of thousands of works of art and documents still missing today worth billions of dollars is the greatest "reality TV" story ever..so yes, I am disappointed when the media doesn't embrace the story of these heroes and enable us to finish the job they so ably handled for 6 years after the end of the war. Helping enlist the support of the public to locate what's in their attic, hanging on their walls, and laying in their basements might be the key to solving this great unsolved mystery and theft. The public could participate in solving a real crime and do good at the same time. DJ: Are there concerns that the public will forget as more of those who served in the wars die?

Edsel: Unfortunately, the public had already largely forgotten as has the media. When Larry King does a show on Veteran's Day and includes Carrie Prejean instead of doing a story about veterans, past or present, that pretty well provides us with a "state of the nation." How many kids know the significance of Normandy? Pearl Harbor? Who Benito Mussolini was? With the public's fascination with action heroes, why shouldn't they know and love the story of the Monuments Men, especially when some of them are still alive today? In addition, learning from the great legacy left by the Monuments Men could help our political and military leaders prepare better for future conflicts. Unfortunately, the lessons of the Monuments Men were not put to use in Iraq. DJ: Who do you feel is one of the most inspiring curators? Edsel: Rose Valland is my candidate for the greatest heroine of World War II. Who can even name a second candidate? She provides women a chance to connect with the world war ii story which, heretofore, has been a male dominated story. This woman worked under the eyes of the Nazis for four long years. Without their knowledge she was fluent in German and kept secret records monitoring their theft of paintings and other belongings from french collectors. She spent her life tracking down those works of art and making sure they were returned to the victims of this theft, even when so many of her countrymen just wanted her to let the story fade away. Her records proved vital to aiding one of the American monuments men to find the hidden Nazi treasures in the closing days of the war. Her life is an absolute inspiration for us all, especially women!!!!! DJ: What do you think of the recent news about Hitler's remains? Edsel: The fascination with Hitler will never die. He and the Third Reich didn’t make it a thousand years, but the fascination with all things Nazis and lither probably will. Little I could write would be more telling about the power---and horror---and fascination---World War II still holds today. DJ: Is there an area that you believe is the most forgotten in your field? Edsel: The monuments men and women’s story is I believe the most important unknown story of World War II. It isn’t a small story either. From the time he was a teenager to moments before he killed himself 40 years later, Hitler was fascinated with art and its power. It fueled his passion and energy level; it drove him to continue this war when all rational signs screamed end it. The scope of this theft is so staggering it makes it hard for us to comprehend today, especially with such short attention spans. Thus the heroes of this story, a handful of men and one woman---the most unlikely of spies--- foiling the Nazi plans to destroy thousands of works of art and at the same time rescuing millions of works of art and other cultural items, is an incredible action packed adventure filled with more plot twists and unexpected events than any Hollywood scriptwriter could create….But it is true, it happened, and today we are witnessing the story’s final chapter be written before our very eyes. What an exciting time to learn about it!!!!