Mark Ludwig

"Our Will To Live is a record of response to a hopeless condition. Generously illustrated with poster and other art saved from oblivion, and informed by Ludwig's introductory essay, the book offers an immersion into spirit itself.--Ron Slate ""On the Seawall"" Our Will To Live is a unique archive of humanity's ability to manufacture light from darkness, an absorbing archive of who we are, and a document of the difference between survival and living.--Thomas Gorton ""AnOther"" The book itself as an object is an encapsulation of all that is within. It is large and weighty, but simple and elegant. Every aspect of the book was created with care and respect. The choice of Gerhard Steidl, known as an artist of the book, was a perfect marriage of publisher and subject. By enclosing this history in a vessel so beautiful, the contents are further sanctified, that is, made safe and holy; it is a work of art in and of itself, and speaks to the joy of creation.--Elisa Birdseye ""The Boston Music Intelligencer"" Amidst dislocation and death, these artists strived to assert their culture, identity, and creativity. Our Will to Live both celebrates and mourns them. A remarkable homage.--Richard Blanco ""2013 Presidential Inaugural Poet, author of How to Love a Country"" Our Will to Live takes readers into the world of Terezín's silenced artists and makes their voices come alive. A testimony to the inextinguishable strength of the human spirit. There are moments of excruciating beauty, there are heartrending stories, all reminding us that if we lose our humanity, we are nothing.--Yo-Yo Ma This astonishing book is an act of creation from chaos. Here is art, music, humor, precision, speculation, indignation, love -- the panoply of human expression dredged from darkness. A wonder.--Rabbi David Wolpe ""Sinai Temple, Los Angeles"""