Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Christopher Hitchens

Role / Field:

Influential author and journalist known for his sharp critiques of religion and politics.

Born:

1949-04-13

Died:

2011-12-15

Century / Era:

1949s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Christopher Eric Hitchens (13 April 1949 – 15 December 2011) was a British and American author and journalist. Known as one of the "Four Horsemen" of New Atheism (along with Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Daniel Dennett), he gained prominence as a columnist and speaker. Hitchens's epistemological razor, which states that "what can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence", is used in philosophy and law. Hitchens was born and educated in Britain, graduating in 1970 from the University of Oxford with a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In the early 1980s, he emigrated to the United States and wrote for The Nation and Vanity Fair. Hitchens's political views evolved greatly throughout his life. Originally describing himself as a democratic socialist, he was a member of various socialist organisations in his early life, including the Trotskyist International Socialists. Hitchens was critical of aspects of American foreign policy, including its involvement in Vietnam, Chile, and East Timor. However, he supported the United States in the Kosovo War, Bosnian War, and other interventions.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Hitchens emphasised the centrality of the American Revolution...

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• 1949 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1949
• April 13 (04-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 13
• 2011 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2011
• December 15 (12-15) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 15

Frequently Asked Questions about Christopher Hitchens