About
Ignited by an impromptu visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany, Nick Del Calzo spent the next five years creating 145 portraits of Holocaust survivors in 12 states. Some 72 portraits are included in this award-winning book that received a glowing tribute in the Congressional Record and was selected by the American Library Association as one of the "Best Books for Young Adults".
Beginning in 2010, the Feiner Family Foundation republished The Triumphant Spirit, sending out 2,000 complimentary copies to Holocaust museums, educators, organizations and Jewish leaders. This is the first time in over a decade that this historical book has been available on a widespread basis.
For more information or to place an order please contact us at: info@thetriumphantspirit.com.
Below are two reviews of the book from educational publications.
"A Holocaust commemoration effort, the Triumphant Spirit project consists of a national portrait exhibition and a beautifully photographed book. Depicting individuals who survived the horrors of the Holocaust and now live in the United States, the book features the photography of acclaimed documentary photographer Del Calzo and moving narratives written by Renee Rockford, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. Through the brief narratives on each survivor, we learn how they rebuilt their lives and prospered, either materially or spiritually, in a new land. There is also a moving introduction by Thomas Keneally, author of Schindler's List. An elegant, moving tribute; recommended for general and popular Judaic collections."
Kent State University Library, Ohio
"Inspired by a visit to Dachau, Del Calzo intertwines black-and-white portraits of more than 92 Holocaust survivors with their stories and inspiring quotes. It is a diverse collection of narratives, set in a variety of locations, similar only in the sense that all of the individuals were persecuted because they were somehow 'different.' As the photographer worked, more times than not, he was asked two questions: 'Why are you doing this?' and 'Are you Jewish?' Del Calzo's response and belief is that these survivors need to be documented now by an impartial observer before it's too late. This is the type of book that can't be read in one sitting, but it is one that captures readers' attention and allows them to ponder the incredible nature of survival."
Robinson Secondary, Fairfax County, VA