Christopher Hitchens
Author, Polemicist & Vanity Fair Editor
Christopher Hitchens was a prolific British-American author, journalist, and literary critic known for his confrontational style and intellectual rigor. A self-described antitheist and prominent figure in the New Atheist movement, he engaged in fierce debates on religion, politics, and culture until…
10 books authored
The Missionary Position
Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice
Christopher Hitchens presents a critical examination of Mother Teresa's life and work, challenging the near-universal adulation of her. He investigates the quality of care at her centers, her financial dealings, and her associations with political figures.
The Trial of Henry Kissinger
Christopher Hitchens presents a prosecutorial indictment of Henry Kissinger for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Using declassified documents and firsthand testimony, the book examines Kissinger's involvement in military and political actions in Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, and East Timor.
Why Orwell Matters
Orwell's Victory
An analysis of George Orwell’s life, work, and enduring relevance in the 21st century. Christopher Hitchens examines Orwell’s stances on imperialism, fascism, and Stalinism while defending his legacy against contemporary critics. The book explores the vital importance of linguistic clarity and intellectual independence in political discourse.
Love, Poverty, and War: Journeys and Essays
Journeys and Essays
A collection of essays and reportage exploring the themes of love, poverty, and war through literary criticism and global journalism. Christopher Hitchens examines historical figures such as Winston Churchill and Mother Teresa while reporting from regions including Iraq, North Korea, and post-9/11 America. The work chronicles his transition toward a more unaffiliated radical perspective and his rejection of ideological orthodoxy.
Thomas Paine's Rights of Man
A Biography
An analysis of Thomas Paine's 1791 classic, exploring its impact on the American and French Revolutions. Hitchens details Paine's defense of democracy and inalienable rights against the conservative critiques of Edmund Burke. The book demonstrates how Paine's radical ideas form the philosophical foundation of the modern republic.
God Is Not Great
How Religion Poisons Everything
An exploration of religious belief as a man-made phenomenon and a critique of its influence on human society. Christopher Hitchens argues for a secular life based on science and reason, citing historical and textual evidence to challenge the claims of major faiths.
Hitch-22: A Memoir
Christopher Hitchens recounts his life and career, from his upbringing in Portsmouth to his status as a leading intellectual and polemicist in London and Washington. He examines his political evolution, his friendships with major literary figures, and his discovery of his Jewish heritage. The memoir reflects on themes of dissent, loyalty, and the pursuit of intellectual integrity.
Arguably: Essays
Selected Essays
A comprehensive collection of 107 essays covering political commentary, literary journalism, and cultural criticism. The volume assembles work previously published in publications such as Vanity Fair, Slate, and The Atlantic, analyzing the foundations of reason, skepticism, and justice across a wide range of global subjects.
Mortality
A posthumous collection of essays chronicling Christopher Hitchens' battle with terminal esophageal cancer. The book provides a candid meditation on the loss of voice, the physical reality of pain, and the maintaining of a rationalist worldview in the face of death.
And Yet...: Essays
A posthumous collection of previously uncollected essays that cover a broad spectrum of literature, politics, and social issues. The volume includes Hitchens' characteristic critiques of political figures, literary analyses of classic authors, and reflections on secularism and culture.