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Unbroken Will: The Extraordinary Courage of an Ordinary Man The Story of Nazi Concentration Camp Survivor Leopold Engleitner, born 1905
History / World War I / World War II / Nazi Concentration Camp Survivor / Holocaust / Biography
""This book is a milestone in recording the horrors of National Socialism. It is essential reading, and I am delighted that the translation has already received such keen attention in the United States.""
-Heinz Fischer, president of the Republic of Austria
""This book is not only an enthralling read; every detail in it has also been thoroughly researched. From a scientific point of view, it is one of the most reliable biographies of a victim of National Socialism.""
-Professor Walter Manoschek, political scientist, University of Vienna
""You have given current and future generations a priceless gift by recording Mr. Engleitner's life story. His experiences remind us of the strength of the human will to overcome even the most horrible and challenging circumstances.""
-Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California
WHEN LEOPOLD ENGLEITNER WAS NINE YEARS OLD, an event of historical significance for the world that initiated the First World War took place in his hometown. Moreover, although Leopold Engleitner and his contemporary Adolf Hitler, who was sixteen years his senior, grew up in the same province (Upper Austria) and shared the same cultural background and educational system, the convictions and attitudes they developed were diametrically opposed. Whereas Adolf Hitler caused untold suffering to millions as a merciless mass murderer, Leopold Engleitner devoted his life to peace, refusing to buckle even in the face of death.
The ordinary farmhand found the extraordinary courage to follow his conscience. He refused to serve in Hitler's army and did not even use the Nazi greeting ""Heil Hitler!"" Suffering unspeakable cruelty in three concentration camps he grew so thin that he weighed less than sixty-two pounds. Yet nothing and no one could break his will. Astoundingly, he could easily have had his freedom: all he had to do was sign a paper renouncing his religious convictions as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, but he steadfastly refused. And he never lost his optimism. In the concentration camp, he even bought a suitcase for the journey home it seemed impossible he would ever make.
His unshakable faith in God helped Engleitner to lead a full and happy life despite constant rejection, and he never lost his zest for life as he became the oldest and one of the best known male concentration camp survivors in the world. His unexpected rehabilitation was achieved thanks to an extraordinary friendship. Though already far advanced in years, he travelled more than ninety-five thousand miles across Europe and the USA, between 1999 and 2012, testifying as a witness of history to ensure the past is not forgotten; as such, he became a model of tolerance and peace.
Letters written by Engleitner during his internment and believed lost for nearly sixty years were discovered; and their combination with original minutes of police and court proceedings, reports from the concentration camps, and personal accounts of traumatic childhood incidents from one hundred years ago constitutes an impressive firsthand history.
""This book is a milestone in recording the horrors of National Socialism. It is essential reading, and I am delighted that the translation has already received such keen attention in the United States.""
-Heinz Fischer, president of the Republic of Austria
""This book is not only an enthralling read; every detail in it has also been thoroughly researched. From a scientific point of view, it is one of the most reliable biographies of a victim of National Socialism.""
-Professor Walter Manoschek, political scientist, University of Vienna
""You have given current and future generations a priceless gift by recording Mr. Engleitner's life story. His experiences remind us of the strength of the human will to overcome even the most horrible and challenging circumstances.""
-Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California
WHEN LEOPOLD ENGLEITNER WAS NINE YEARS OLD, an event of historical significance for the world that initiated the First World War took place in his hometown. Moreover, although Leopold Engleitner and his contemporary Adolf Hitler, who was sixteen years his senior, grew up in the same province (Upper Austria) and shared the same cultural background and educational system, the convictions and attitudes they developed were diametrically opposed. Whereas Adolf Hitler caused untold suffering to millions as a merciless mass murderer, Leopold Engleitner devoted his life to peace, refusing to buckle even in the face of death.
The ordinary farmhand found the extraordinary courage to follow his conscience. He refused to serve in Hitler's army and did not even use the Nazi greeting ""Heil Hitler!"" Suffering unspeakable cruelty in three concentration camps he grew so thin that he weighed less than sixty-two pounds. Yet nothing and no one could break his will. Astoundingly, he could easily have had his freedom: all he had to do was sign a paper renouncing his religious convictions as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, but he steadfastly refused. And he never lost his optimism. In the concentration camp, he even bought a suitcase for the journey home it seemed impossible he would ever make.
His unshakable faith in God helped Engleitner to lead a full and happy life despite constant rejection, and he never lost his zest for life as he became the oldest and one of the best known male concentration camp survivors in the world. His unexpected rehabilitation was achieved thanks to an extraordinary friendship. Though already far advanced in years, he travelled more than ninety-five thousand miles across Europe and the USA, between 1999 and 2012, testifying as a witness of history to ensure the past is not forgotten; as such, he became a model of tolerance and peace.
Letters written by Engleitner during his internment and believed lost for nearly sixty years were discovered; and their combination with original minutes of police and court proceedings, reports from the concentration camps, and personal accounts of traumatic childhood incidents from one hundred years ago constitutes an impressive firsthand history.
- GenresNonfiction
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 22, 2010
GREAT BOOK!! Some of our poor brothers have gone throught so much! Extraordinary is right!! Can't wait to read more!!
April 12, 2012
Definitely cried while reading this book. Can't imagine going through what Leopold had to deal with.
December 26, 2019
An astonishing and faith-strengthening biography of Austrian born Leopold Engleitner. Who in 1932 left the Catholic Church to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses and thus a Conscientious Objector. He went through immense persecution for following his faith both before and during the war. He is believed to be the oldest male concentration camp survivor. A couple of quotes from Leopold nicknamed Poidl:
"Show true wisdom heart by keeping your conscience intact- for your own good and for the good of the people around you."
"I have always done my best to apply just principles and to respect the rights of others. That is why no one was able to force me to raise a weapon against my fellowman. I have no reason to feel bitter. When I decided to follow this path in 1932, I was well aware that it would mean a hard struggle."
"Show true wisdom heart by keeping your conscience intact- for your own good and for the good of the people around you."
"I have always done my best to apply just principles and to respect the rights of others. That is why no one was able to force me to raise a weapon against my fellowman. I have no reason to feel bitter. When I decided to follow this path in 1932, I was well aware that it would mean a hard struggle."
July 20, 2025
Amazing and unfailing strength in his God Jehovah!!!
Leopold Engleitner was an extraordinary man, who from an early age believed in
a moral code and in peace. Later, he would become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Not surprising, since they believe in world peace. This will not be attained by ANY
government or human on earth, but by means of God’s Kingdom in the heavens.
His courage and determination in remaining faithful to his beliefs is truly remarkable, considering the unbelievable cruelty he endured. He NEVER gave up,
and told EVERYONE why!!!
We need many, many more like him!!!
A MUST READ!!!
Leopold Engleitner was an extraordinary man, who from an early age believed in
a moral code and in peace. Later, he would become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Not surprising, since they believe in world peace. This will not be attained by ANY
government or human on earth, but by means of God’s Kingdom in the heavens.
His courage and determination in remaining faithful to his beliefs is truly remarkable, considering the unbelievable cruelty he endured. He NEVER gave up,
and told EVERYONE why!!!
We need many, many more like him!!!
A MUST READ!!!
September 19, 2022
Amazing! It strengthened my faith in Jehovah, and it really put me in the concentration camp. This shows the true wickedness of the Nazis and how horrible they were, how real they were. Despite this, Engleitner stayed true to his convictions and left the camp with a clear conscience! I want to be like Engleitner when I get older!!!
March 30, 2019
It’s sad but I really enjoyed it and have a copy.
June 2, 2020
What determination!
I couldn’t put this book down! I’m not an avid reader, but this is story that must be heard. It shows that an ordinary person can stand against the current.
I couldn’t put this book down! I’m not an avid reader, but this is story that must be heard. It shows that an ordinary person can stand against the current.
September 27, 2021
I once owned this book. It had a funny memory in it.
March 6, 2022
Excellent and such a well written book. I highly recommend this book to be read.
January 20, 2025
I've read this book twice so far. He was such a positive person throughout. A heartbreaking but inspirational story
July 25, 2023
I once owned this book. It was interesting and easy to read.
I was unhappy that his conscience allowed him to visit Disneyland during his retirement years. I just expect more from Witnesses who are my generation or older.
As of July 2023 my mom and I had an argument about some Costco Disney apples my mom ended up buying. I prayer cursed that purchase.
I was unhappy that his conscience allowed him to visit Disneyland during his retirement years. I just expect more from Witnesses who are my generation or older.
As of July 2023 my mom and I had an argument about some Costco Disney apples my mom ended up buying. I prayer cursed that purchase.
March 26, 2012
Thats why thy say don't judge a book by its cover. Very Good book.
October 18, 2013
Extraordinary example of faith and courage. Loved it.
May 29, 2019
Very great book on jehovahs witness holocaust survivor
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews