Library

Through a large number of interviews and rich archival materials, the author of this book explains in detail the Nazi looters' plundering of European art treasures before and after World War II, and also shows readers the details of the Allies' efforts to rescue these works of art. This book uses a compact plot to describe the Nazis' purge of "degenerate art", the high-ranking Nazi officials' art buying sprees in occupied countries, and the Nazis' ruthless seizure of Jewish-owned artworks; it also tells the story of museum staff in various European countries when faced with the threat of looting and bombing. The story goes through every possible means to transfer and protect artworks and the preservation of artworks by monuments rescue officers; it tells the process of recovery and return of public and private collections by all parties after the war; it depicts the art competition between Hitler, Goering, and art dealers, as well as the game between Allied rescue officers and people from all parties. After the book was published, it was well received and won the National Book Critics Circle Award. The book was later adapted into the documentary "The Rape of Europa".