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Totally Unofficial: The Autobiography of Raphael Lemkin
The never-before published autobiography of Raphael Lemkin, a giant among twentieth-century ethical thinkers
Among the greatest intellectual heroes of modern times, Raphael Lemkin lived an extraordinary life of struggle and hardship, yet altered international law and redefined the world’s understanding of group rights. He invented the concept and word “genocide” and propelled the idea into international legal status.
An uncommonly creative pioneer in ethical thought, he twice was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Although Lemkin died alone and in poverty, he left behind a model for a life of activism, a legacy of major contributions to international law, and—not least—an unpublished autobiography. Presented here for the first time is his own account of his life, from his boyhood on a small farm in Poland with his Jewish parents, to his perilous escape from Nazi Europe, through his arrival in the United States and rise to influence as an academic, thinker, and revered lawyer of international criminal law.
Among the greatest intellectual heroes of modern times, Raphael Lemkin lived an extraordinary life of struggle and hardship, yet altered international law and redefined the world’s understanding of group rights. He invented the concept and word “genocide” and propelled the idea into international legal status.
An uncommonly creative pioneer in ethical thought, he twice was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Although Lemkin died alone and in poverty, he left behind a model for a life of activism, a legacy of major contributions to international law, and—not least—an unpublished autobiography. Presented here for the first time is his own account of his life, from his boyhood on a small farm in Poland with his Jewish parents, to his perilous escape from Nazi Europe, through his arrival in the United States and rise to influence as an academic, thinker, and revered lawyer of international criminal law.
293 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
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266 people want to read
About the author
Raphaël Lemkin
13 books22 followersRaphaël Lemkin was a lawyer of Polish-Jewish descent who is best known for coining the word genocide and initiating the Genocide Convention. Lemkin coined the word genocide in 1943 or 1944 from genos (Greek for family, tribe, or race) and -cide (Latin for killing).
Between 1953 and 1957, Lemkin worked directly with representatives of several governments, such as Egypt, to outlaw genocide under the domestic penal codes of these countries. Lemkin also worked with a team of lawyers from Arab delegations at the United Nations to build a case to prosecute French officials for genocide in Algeria.
Between 1953 and 1957, Lemkin worked directly with representatives of several governments, such as Egypt, to outlaw genocide under the domestic penal codes of these countries. Lemkin also worked with a team of lawyers from Arab delegations at the United Nations to build a case to prosecute French officials for genocide in Algeria.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 2, 2020
I first heard of Raphael Lemkin from Samantha Power's book "A Problem from Hell." Lemkin, whose parents perished in the holocaust, spent the remainder of his life tirelessly working towards outlawing genocide through the United Nations. In fact he's the one who coined the term "genocide." At the time many argued that it was a violation of State's sovereignty to bring countries to justice for their transgressions against their own citizens. In 1915 the world stood idly by while Turkey slaughtered over a million Armenians, an act which had a profound impact on Lemkin. State sovereignty should be used for the common good such as building roads not as something to hide behind. Even after the holocaust many countries thought the Nuremberg ruling was sufficient but the ruling only included acts committed in times of war or aggression. In 1950 Lemkin was successful in getting at least 20 countries to join in outlawing genocide, the minimum required for the law to go into effect.
It wasn't until 1988 that the US actually signed on to the Convention outlawing genocide. As I learned from Power, many feared the broad definition could be applied to the Jim Crow laws of the South. It was becoming somewhat of an embarrassment since the Soviet Union ratified in 1954.
"Totally Unofficial was a joy to read, especially in the beginning as Lemkin writes of his escape from the Nazis as they invade Poland (Lemkin was living in Warsaw at the time). It's heart-breaking at times too. Lemkin leaves his parents knowing full well what what lies ahead for them. It's also funny as Lemkin has a unique writing style and often can find the humor in the most dire situation. It's an unfinished work. Lemkin died before he had a chance to finish which is a real shame. However, Lemkin's legacy definitely lives on.
(As a side note, I met Samantha Power in person last year at Tribfest in Austin. Absolutely the nicest person you can meet. Very down to earth. Got to talk with her for a few minutes which was the highlight of Tribfest. She served as the UN Ambassador under the Obama administration).
It wasn't until 1988 that the US actually signed on to the Convention outlawing genocide. As I learned from Power, many feared the broad definition could be applied to the Jim Crow laws of the South. It was becoming somewhat of an embarrassment since the Soviet Union ratified in 1954.
"Totally Unofficial was a joy to read, especially in the beginning as Lemkin writes of his escape from the Nazis as they invade Poland (Lemkin was living in Warsaw at the time). It's heart-breaking at times too. Lemkin leaves his parents knowing full well what what lies ahead for them. It's also funny as Lemkin has a unique writing style and often can find the humor in the most dire situation. It's an unfinished work. Lemkin died before he had a chance to finish which is a real shame. However, Lemkin's legacy definitely lives on.
(As a side note, I met Samantha Power in person last year at Tribfest in Austin. Absolutely the nicest person you can meet. Very down to earth. Got to talk with her for a few minutes which was the highlight of Tribfest. She served as the UN Ambassador under the Obama administration).
April 9, 2014
Fascinating, an overlooked man in an overlook niche of history. An unfinished autobiography that's somehow richer for being tattered in parts.
August 26, 2014
Strong testament to an incredible man. Totally understated, a real role model.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews