The writer Ferdinand Schmatz is not only an outstanding poet and essayist; for more than thirty years he has also taught at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, where he has headed the Institute of Linguistic Arts since 2012.

In alles oder nichts wortet [all or nothing in words], his colleagues, peers, and students honor the work and influence of Ferdinand Schmatz in a special way; by reading his texts, through literary responses to his writing, in anecdotes, common thought experiments, and warm appreciation.

This volume also includes conversations with the author and excerpts from selected works of other artists, including those of composers Wolfgang Mitterer and Beat Furrer.