Best-selling author of ‘The Monuments Men’ to speak at UWF

The University of West Florida College of Arts and Sciences will host Robert Edsel, No. 1 New York Times best-selling author of the book, “The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History,” on Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Music Hall.

Edsel, a former nationally ranked tennis player and pioneering oilman, is recognized today as one of the world’s foremost advocates for art preservation. While living in Florence, he developed a great passion for art and architecture and became curious as to how so many of the monuments and great works of art survived the thefts and devastation of World War II. 

What began as a question evolved into an impassioned journey to unravel the secrets and heroics of the Monuments Men, the unsung heroes who saved the world’s greatest art and cultural treasures for the benefit of civilization. Edsel has dedicated the last ten years of his life to the meticulous research of these cultural heroes, which culminated in his book. In January 2012, George Clooney announced he would write, direct and start in the film adaptation of “The Monuments Men,” which hit theaters in February 2014. The film also features Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray and Bob Balaban.

This event is free and open to the public. A book signing will be held immediately following the lecture.