Recounts the true story of eleven men and one woman who risked their lives amidst the bloodshed of World War II to preserve churches, libraries, monuments, and works of art that for centuries defined the heritage of Western civilization. As the war raged, these American and British volunteers-- museum curators, art scholars and educators, architects, archivists, and artists, known as the Monuments Men-- found themselves in a desperate race against time to locate and save the many priceless treasures and works of art stolen by Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.

Letters home -- Independence day -- "Little saints, help us!" -- The meeting -- Priceless dust -- Objectives -- Resurrection and treachery -- Searching for clues -- Getting help -- Longings -- Small victories -- Treasure maps -- Gains and losses -- Surprises -- On the move -- The beginning of the end -- Salt mines and jail cells -- Closure -- Going home.