The Monuments Men

I first learned of the monuments men when I was doing research for my novel, Cinderella’s Dress. I was reading/watching anything from the 1940s to get a base for the plot. When I heard about (the then) new book coming out called the The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History, I immediately got it. What an amazing book. So fascinating! I had to have one of my characters involved somehow. So, my main character’s dad became my Monuments Man! I sent him off to protect Italy’s artwork in advance of the allied invasion.

Kate’s dad’s job becomes a parallel to her own journey as she learns about her family’s generational responsibility in protecting the Cinderella Dress.

Now there is a movie out to tell this incredible story.

Here is a video with the author of the book. He shows a number of photos from the 1940s and gives the background and stories of several of the monuments men (and woman!)

And lastly, here is the video that talks specifically about Italy.

For more info:

The Smithsonian: The True Story of the Monument’s Men
National Archives: Looted Art
The Met:In the Footsteps of the Monuments Men
Art Talk: Monuments Men (Google Hangout)

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