Book Talk: Linda Rabben "Give Refuge to the Stranger: The Past, Present and Future of Sanctuary"

The concept of sanctuary—giving refuge to the threatened, vulnerable stranger—is a human universal and older than human society. Give Refuge to the Stranger traces sanctuary from its prehistoric origins through its evolution as a religious institution to present-day asylum policies and grassroots movements. Her expert account, based on meticulous research and personal advocacy experience, provides critical context for understanding current political debates. It is also an inspiring, accessible and literate text for a diverse audience of students, scholars, activists and policymakers.

Linda Rabben is an author, anthropologist and human rights activist. Her sixth book, Give Refuge to the Stranger, grew out of more than a decade’s work on refugee and asylum issues for Amnesty International and other organizations. She also investigated human rights violations in Brazil as an Amnesty researcher and country expert. Her earlier books included Fierce Legion of Friends: A History of Human Rights Campaigns and Campaigners, Brazil’s Indians and the Onslaught of Civilization, and her translation of Walking the Forest with Chico Mendes. She earned a PhD in anthropology and Latin American studies at Cornell University. At present she does consulting work on refugee, immigration and asylum issues for nonprofit organizations.