Robert M. Edsel is an accomplished American author, renowned for his works of non-fiction that delve into the protection and preservation of artistic treasures and monuments during World War II. One of his most well-known books, "The Monuments Men," was optioned for film by George Clooney, who served as the writer, producer, director, and star of the film.
Before becoming an author, Edsel was a successful tennis player, achieving a national ranking, and also worked in the oil exploration industry. He has lived in several places, including his hometown of Dallas, Texas, and Florence, Italy, where he resided for several years.
In addition to his writing career, Edsel is the founder and president of the Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art, which has received the National Humanities Medal. He is also a trustee at the National WWII Museum and has been recognized with several awards for his work, including the "Texas Medal of Arts" Award, the "President's Call to Service" Award, and the "Hope for Humanity" Award presented by the Dallas Holocaust Museum.
Edsel's bibliography includes notable works such as "Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a Nation's Treasures from the Nazis," "Nazi-Thieves and the Greatest-Treasure Hunt in History," "The Monuments-Men: Allied Heroes," and "Rescuing Da Vinci." He is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary film "The Rape of Europa."