Friedl, Dicker-Brandeis, Vienna 1898- Auschwitz 19

Rating:
Summary: A thoughtful and inspiring work
Review: A number of years ago, I ran across a book entitled, "I Never Saw Another Butterfly" which was a compilation of children's art and poetry from the Terezin Concentration Camp during the WW2 years. Most of these child artists perished at Auschwitz. That book became one of my favorites, and I must have given away 50 copies as I found so inspiring the ability of children to create beauty in even these circumstances. This new book about Friedl completes the story for me as it tells the life of the woman who instructed these children at Terezin. Friedl was a teacher of these children, and stayed with them even to death, and used her art instruction as a means of spiritual survival in the face of certain and inevitable death. This is a book worthy of its subject and one of my new favorites. Highest recommendation!

Rating:
Summary: an inspirational biography
Review: At first I thought the book, Friedl Dicker-Brandeis by Elena Makarova and Regina Seidman Miller, was just a beautiful exhihibition catalogue.There are hundreds of color plates of paintings so rich in imagination and expressive beauty, and there are designs for theater and costumes as well as plans for houses and rooms. She brought her unique inspirational creativity to every aspect of her life--creating order out of chaos. This was wonderful in itself,but as I read it I realized it was an inspirational biography, the life story of a creative, artistic spirit who despite the most impossible circumstances, which grew more and more intolerable, continued to work creatively and what's more, to teach others--children whose lives had been devastated. For those who managed to survive-- their memories of her are recorded here too. They were forever changed by having been influenced by her and the invaluable medicine she provided. The book offers insight into the influences on her own art education and the development of her approach to inspiring the creativity of children, a wonderful guide for anyone working in an artistic capacity with children. There are so many revealing letters and photographs of hers, and her friends, and from the children she taught which capture so much about this mysterious, irrepressible woman. The book is a treasure, a reassurance. I feel I must hold it close to remind myself that despite the evil in the world there are human beings have wonderful spirit and creative talent, and it will endure despite everything.

Rating:
Summary: an inspirational biography
Review: At first I thought the book, Friedl Dicker-Brandeis by Elena Makarova and Regina Seidman Miller, was just a beautiful exhihibition catalogue.There are hundreds of color plates of paintings so rich in imagination and expressive beauty, and there are designs for theater and costumes as well as plans for houses and rooms. She brought her unique inspirational creativity to every aspect of her life--creating order out of chaos. This was wonderful in itself,but as I read it I realized it was an inspirational biography, the life story of a creative, artistic spirit who despite the most impossible circumstances, which grew more and more intolerable, continued to work creatively and what's more, to teach others--children whose lives had been devastated. For those who managed to survive-- their memories of her are recorded here too. They were forever changed by having been influenced by her and the invaluable medicine she provided. The book offers insight into the influences on her own art education and the development of her approach to inspiring the creativity of children, a wonderful guide for anyone working in an artistic capacity with children. There are so many revealing letters and photographs of hers, and her friends, and from the children she taught which capture so much about this mysterious, irrepressible woman. The book is a treasure, a reassurance. I feel I must hold it close to remind myself that despite the evil in the world there are human beings have wonderful spirit and creative talent, and it will endure despite everything.

Rating:
Summary: Friedl, an inspiration to all
Review: It is hard to believe that this woman, artist, inventor, and heroine is not better known in the eyes and hearts of the world. As an educator and member of the Jewish community, I am shocked that I wasn't even aware of the remarkable contributions made by Friedl Dicker-Brandeis. The works portrayed in this book, the heartfelt letters she wrote, and the historical expose of Friedl's life were enriching. She has brought inspiration to many and should continue to be revered as a talented saint. Thank you Regina Seidman Miller and Elena Makarova for opening our eyes to such a remarkable woman of our past.

Rating:
Summary: Friedl, an inspiration to all
Review: It is hard to believe that this woman, artist, inventor, and heroine is not better known in the eyes and hearts of the world. As an educator and member of the Jewish community, I am shocked that I wasn't even aware of the remarkable contributions made by Friedl Dicker-Brandeis. The works portrayed in this book, the heartfelt letters she wrote, and the historical expose of Friedl's life were enriching. She has brought inspiration to many and should continue to be revered as a talented saint. Thank you Regina Seidman Miller and Elena Makarova for opening our eyes to such a remarkable woman of our past.

Rating:
Summary: terrific
Review: This book is a piece of art and one of the most comprehensive on this amazing woman. It was an inspiring read! I recommend it everyone!

Rating:
Summary: An inspiration to us all
Review: This book is truely a remarkable insight into the life and commitment of a very special woman. Faced with the most devasting of conditions and pure enough in heart and soul to put her own personal fears aside, Friedl found ways to inspire the most innocent during a time when humanity was nowhere to be found. This book allows the reader to get a glimpse of a remarkable spirit and witness the amazing difference that one person can make. Thank you Ms. Makarova and Ms. Seidman Miller, for bringing this lesson to life and helping us all to keep our own lives in the right perspective.

Rating:
Summary: What an amazing story
Review: This is a book I intended to glance over just to look at the art, but ended up reading it cover to cover until 3 in the morning. It is a in depth look at this amazing woman's life, as well as the beautiful art she created. This is a must read for anyone wanting to learn about history, and how people cope with major events in their lives.