World War II - one of the most devastating events in history that will always be remembered, whether through textbooks, personal accounts or simply by the stories of how one man could have done the impossible: conquer the world. As students today and future generations learn about war, they are exposed to the battles, leaders, political parties, heroes, and unrest of this period; However, important events that have often been overshadowed are gradually being forgotten and neglected. Robert Edsel, in his book The Monuments Men, tells the story of the “greatest treasure hunt in history” and the race to sell. The Monuments Men is set during World War II, but primarily focuses on the Monuments Men and their activities from June 1944 to May 1945 (Edsel XV). The plot follows eight Monuments men - Major Ronald Balfour, Private Harry Ettlinger, Captain Walker Hancock, Captain Walter Huchthausen, Private Lincoln Kirstein, Captain Robert Posey, Second Lieutenant James Rorimer, and Lieutenant George Stout - and their travels across Northern Europe. The novel briefly mentions specific battles, such as the Battle of the Bulge, and other aspects of the war, but focuses on the stories of the eight Monuments Men. In writing The Monuments Men, Edsel often emphasized specific details in relation to other parts of the novel. It is not surprising that Edsel places great importance on culture; the novel is filled with references to art and sculptures and the history of the towns and churches visited throughout the novel. However, it is evident that Edsel considers the courage and commitment of the Monuments Men and other dedicated individuals to be the pinnacle of the book. While describing their mission, Edsel admires the Monuments Men, saying that “they were among papers…back home to their wives and children. They have all experienced horrific events, including passing through many buildings such as churches, which were once filled with beautiful statues and stained glass but have now been destroyed by war. As busy as they were, the Monuments Men constantly found themselves behind the Germans. The big question each of them was trying to solve was where all the artwork was stored. Rorimer continued to do his best to get Rose Valland to trust him and give him information about the art warehouses. She finally began to open up slowly, thankfully, at the novel's most crucial turning point. Work cited: Edsel, Robert M. and Bret Witter. The Monument Men: Allied heroes, Nazi thieves and the greatest treasure hunt in history. New York: Center Street, 2009. Print.