Robert Edsel, writer of the acclaimed book, The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History, will kick off the UT Dallas Arts and Technology Distinguished Lecture Series on Jan. 22.

Edsel’s book follows the efforts of a special Allied force – made up of art historians, curators and architects – with a mission of tracking and retrieving art, historic documents and other cultural treasures stolen by the Nazis during World War II. Actor and director George Clooney’s movie, The Monuments Men, is based on Edsel’s book and is scheduled to premiere on Feb. 7.

Hosted by UT Dallas’ Arts and Technology (ATEC) program, the series features speakers from a wide range of backgrounds in science, technology and art. They will present public lectures on topics aimed at exploring the evolving relationships among art, technology, engineering and behavioral and social sciences.

Visit utdallas.edu/lectureseries for more information.