Christopher Hitchens

Christopher Hitchens (13 April 1949 – 15 December 2011) was a British-American author, journalist, and literary critic. He was a contributing editor to Vanity Fair, a columnist for Slate, and a visiting professor of liberal studies at the New School. His books, essays, and journalistic career spanned more than four decades. He was a vocal critic of what he called "fascist" ideologies, including communism and religious fundamentalism, and was known for his criticism of Mother Teresa and Henry Kissinger. He wrote extensively about politics, literature, and religion and was a frequent guest on various news programs and talk shows.

Hitchens was born in Portsmouth, England, and attended Balliol College, Oxford. He began his career as a journalist in the 1970s, working for various newspapers and magazines in Britain and the United States. He rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with his coverage of the Iran-Contra affair, his criticism of Mother Teresa, and his coverage of the Bill Clinton impeachment.

Hitchens was a controversial figure known for his sharp wit and his willingness to take on controversial subjects. He was a vocal critic of religion, particularly organized religion and the influence of religious institutions on politics. He was also a vocal critic of US foreign policy, particularly the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. His book "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" was a best-seller and made him a prominent figure in the "New Atheism" movement.

Hitchens was also a vocal critic of totalitarianism, particularly of the Soviet Union and its satellite states. He wrote extensively about the dangers of totalitarianism, and his book "The Trial of Henry Kissinger" was a critique of the former US Secretary of State's actions during the Nixon Administration.

Hitchens was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2010 and died on December 15, 2011, at the age of 62. He was widely mourned by friends, colleagues, and fans, and his death was widely covered in the media.

"God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" (2007) was a best-seller and made Hitchens a prominent figure in the "New Atheism" movement. In it, he argues that religion is harmful to society and that it is responsible for many of the world's problems. He also critiques specific religions and religious texts, including the Bible and the Quran.

"The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Nonbeliever" (2007) is a collection of essays and writings from various authors, compiled and edited by Hitchens. It includes works from famous skeptics and critics of religion, such as Mark Twain, George Orwell, and Bertrand Russell.

In "The Trial of Henry Kissinger" (2001), Hitchens accuses former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, of war crimes and crimes against humanity, specifically in relation to his actions during the Nixon Administration. He argues that Kissinger was responsible for many deaths and human rights abuses in Southeast Asia and Latin America.

"Letters to a Young Contrarian" (2001) is a collection of letters written by Hitchens to a fictional young person. He gives advice on how to be a contrarian and think independently. He covers topics such as politics, culture, and the importance of free speech. In "Why Orwell Matters" (2002), Hitchens reflects on the life and work of George Orwell and argues that Orwell's writing is still relevant today. He covers Orwell's views on totalitarianism, censorship, and the dangers of propaganda.

"Hitch-22: A Memoir" (2010) is Hitchens's autobiography, in which he reflects on his life and career. He covers his childhood, his time at Oxford, his career as a journalist, and his experiences as a public intellectual.

These are just a few examples of the many books written by Christopher Hitchens. He also wrote several essays and articles and contributed to many publications during his career. His work continues to be widely read and discussed, and his books are considered to be important contributions to the fields of politics, literature, and religion.