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curtispaulostler's review against another edition
4.0
It was fascinating to learn this side of World War II that I was not aware of. A well-written book on a fairly dry subject matter, Mr. Edsel managed to keep me engaged (though it was on my nightstand for months and I was only able to get to a few pages per night).
The author also enlightened me on the actual end of the war, specifically with Himmler and Wolf racing to stay alive by dropping dime on each other.
I had read Monuments Men, and enjoyed it, but this book delved deeper into details on the war in Italy.
I recommend it.
The author also enlightened me on the actual end of the war, specifically with Himmler and Wolf racing to stay alive by dropping dime on each other.
I had read Monuments Men, and enjoyed it, but this book delved deeper into details on the war in Italy.
I recommend it.
anthrosercher's review against another edition
5.0
So you need some knowledge of WW2, but so long as you have that thud book is really good.
It's a reminder of what it costs to have what we have today. We shouldn't forget.
It's a reminder of what it costs to have what we have today. We shouldn't forget.
devito34's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't connect to the characters of this one quite as well as I did in the Monuments Men, but having traveled to Italy, and seen some of the art that had been stolen, then found and preserved, it's amazing that this part of history isn't more well known.
In one part they describe how the Equestrian Statue of Cosimo I by Giambologna was taken out of the Piazza della Signoria, in Florence then put back in after the bombings which I found really interesting. I stayed less than a block away from that statue and have a picture of me in front of it which was so incredible to be able to connect the two. Part of me wishes I had read this before my trip but it was still really interesting to read after the fact.
Favorite quote: "Since Fine Arts are not edible, nor do they give heat to the cold, light to those in darkness, or water to those who wish to cook and wash, a reason beyond the primal needs of man must be found for concern for them in wartime…” Major Deane Keller
In one part they describe how the Equestrian Statue of Cosimo I by Giambologna was taken out of the Piazza della Signoria, in Florence then put back in after the bombings which I found really interesting. I stayed less than a block away from that statue and have a picture of me in front of it which was so incredible to be able to connect the two. Part of me wishes I had read this before my trip but it was still really interesting to read after the fact.
Favorite quote: "Since Fine Arts are not edible, nor do they give heat to the cold, light to those in darkness, or water to those who wish to cook and wash, a reason beyond the primal needs of man must be found for concern for them in wartime…” Major Deane Keller
oceanwriter's review against another edition
5.0
I think I've wondered in passing over the years about how art was preserved during this time in history, however, it wasn't until I came across this book that I truly questioned it. The book was interesting and informative. I struggled between giving 4 or 5 stars because there were moments I glossed over and lost some of my interest, but given how much new information about the war I discovered I went with 5. Ultimately, this book has piqued new interests in different areas of the war and I would like to further study the work of the Monuments Men.
joabroda's review against another edition
slow-paced
3.0
Having a bit of knowledge from the book/movie The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History, I hoped this book would give me a bit more on the work these extraordinary men did in Italy, saving the ancient treasures that lie in harms way. Unfortunately, that is all we get from this book... a little more information. Edsel would begin a story, that would catch my attention, and then stop dead and move onto to someone/something else.
I found it frustrating and would have labeled it a DNF had it not been useful in 3 other challenges I am working on.
Just ok for me, and really cannot recommend.
I found it frustrating and would have labeled it a DNF had it not been useful in 3 other challenges I am working on.
Just ok for me, and really cannot recommend.
katietaylor04's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting story. It reads very much like a documentary and less like a novel. If you know that going into it you will probably like it more. I gave it three stars because for as much as it is a war story and about saving priceless works of art, it is really pretty dry and not really captivating. I was really hoping to like this one even better than his first one, Monuments Men, because Saving Italy deals with Italian art which I like more than Northern European art, which is what Monuments Men deals with. However, I felt that Monuments Men presented the stories better, helped you connect better to the MFAA people, and was just an easier read. And even it was sometimes dry. So, it is worth a read. But it is sometimes really hard to get through.