Christopher Hitchens

Christopher Hitchens crop 2

Christopher Hitchens (13 April 1949 – 15 December 2011) was a British-American author, columnist, essayist, orator, religious and literary critic, social critic, and journalist. Hitchens is often regarded as one of the most influential and controversial public intellectuals of his generation. His prolific career includes contributions to Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, The Nation, Slate, and the New Statesman, among other publications.

Early Life and Education

Christopher Eric Hitchens was born in Portsmouth, England. His father, Eric Hitchens, was a commander in the Royal Navy, and his mother, Yvonne, was a homemaker. Hitchens attended The Leys School in Cambridge and later Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. During his time at Oxford, Hitchens was known for his opposition to the Vietnam War and his involvement in leftist politics.

Career

After graduating from Oxford, Hitchens began his career as a correspondent for the magazine New Statesman, where he became known for his advocacy of civil liberties and opposition to authoritarianism. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he became a fixture of the left-wing intelligentsia in Britain.

In 1981, Hitchens moved to the United States, where he would eventually become a citizen. His work increasingly appeared in American publications, and he became a contributing editor to Vanity Fair in 1992. Hitchens's writing covered a wide range of topics, including politics, literature, and religion, and he was known for his sharp wit, eloquent prose, and incisive criticism.

Views and Controversies

Hitchens was a vocal critic of organized religion, describing himself as an antitheist. He argued that religion was a source of conflict and a barrier to progress. His book God Is Not Great outlines his views on religion and has been a subject of both acclaim and controversy.

He was also known for his support of the Iraq War, a stance that put him at odds with many of his peers on the left. Hitchens argued that the removal of Saddam Hussein was a moral imperative, a position that sparked much debate.

Personal Life

Hitchens was known for his love of literature, his appreciation for alcohol and cigarettes, and his combative debating style. He was married twice and had three children.

Death

Christopher Hitchens died on 15 December 2011 from complications of esophageal cancer, a disease he attributed to his many years of smoking and drinking. His death was widely mourned, and tributes poured in from around the world, reflecting his impact on journalism, literature, and public debate.

Legacy

Hitchens's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is remembered for his fearless commitment to truth, his literary contributions, and his willingness to challenge the status quo. His works continue to inspire and provoke debate on a wide range of issues.