Christopher Hitchens - Author, Family and Personal Life
Christopher Hitchens's Personal Details
Author of around 12 books and numerous essays on topics of political, religious and literary importance, Christopher Hitchens was a British-American writer and journalist.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthday | April 13, 1949 |
| Died on | December 15, 2011 |
| Nationality | British, American |
| Famous | Atheists, Oxford University, Media Personalities, Journalists, Newspaper Columnists, INTJ, Author |
| Spouses | Carol Blue (m. 1991–2011), Eleni Meleagrou (m. 1981–1989) |
| Siblings | Peter Hitchens |
| Known as | Christopher Eric Hitchens |
| Childrens | Alexander Hitchens, Antonia Hitchens, Sophia Hitchens |
| Universities |
|
| Notable Alumnis |
|
| Birth Place | Portsmouth |
| Born Country | United Kingdom |
| Political Ideology | Socialist |
| Gender | Male |
| Father | Eric Ernest |
| Mother | Yvonne Jean |
| Sun Sign | Aries |
| Born in | Portsmouth |
| Famous as | Author |
| Died at Age | 62 |
// Famous Author
Joyce Meyer
Joyce Meyer is a Christian author and speaker. This biography provides detailed information about her childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline
Suze Orman
Suze Orman is an American television host, financial advisor, author and motivational speaker, famous for her ‘The Suze Orman Show’ on CNBC. This biography profiles her childhood, life, career, works, achievements and timeline.
Robert Graysmith
Robert Graysmith is an author best identified for his works on the ‘Zodiac Killer case’. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.
Christopher Hitchens's photo
Who is Christopher Hitchens?
Christopher Eric Hitchens was a world famous British-American journalist, columnist, author and essayist. He was born and brought up in England and had an army background. He went to Balliol College, Oxford, and there his interest in politics, religion and culture evolved. He joined the Labour Party very early in his life and subscribed to the leftist political view. He worked for the New Statesman for some time in England and flew to America early in his journalistic career as a part of the foreign editor exchange program with The Nation. He worked there as a foreign editor and also took up the role of a contributing editor at the Vanity Fair. He wrote 12 books that portrays his aggressive and assertive views on the relevant international figures and events of his time like Mother Teresa, Lady Diana, George Bush, Royal Family, Iraq War etc. He also wrote many essays, columns and a memoir called ‘Hitch-22’ in which he has included his personal journey and experience in Journalism and politics. He was awarded with National Magazine Award for his brilliant contribution to the world of writing through his columns in Vanity Fair. Hitchens died at the age of 62 after struggling with esophagus cancer, which is thought to be the probable result of his heavy drinking and smoking throughout his life.
// Famous Atheists
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman is an Academy Award winning actor known for his work in movies like ‘Street Smart’, ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’. This biography provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
Robert Smith
Robert Smith is an English musician and the lead singer of the British rock band, ‘The Cure.’ This biography of Robert Smith gives detailed information on his profile, childhood, life and timeline.
Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick was a screenwriter and film director known for his movies like ‘The Clockwork Orange’ and ‘The Shining’. This biography of Stanley Kubrick provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
Childhood & Early Life
Christopher Hitchens was born on 13th April 1949 in Portsmouth, England to Eric and Yvonne Hitchens. His father was in the British Royal Navy because of which the whole family had to constantly move.
Against his father’s initial will, Hitchens’ mother sent him to Mount House4 School in Tavistock, Devon because his mother wanted him to get education in the upper middle class environment.
Other schools that Hitchens was educated in were Leys School in Cambridge and Balliol College in Oxford. At Oxford he did his major in philosophy, politics and economics.
In 1960, due to his rage over the Vietnam War and the usage of nuclear weapons, rising racism in the west and oligarchy, Hitchens joined politics. He became an active part of the political protests and countercultural movements.
In 1965, Hitchens joined the Labour Party and it was around this time that he formed an interest in Trotskyist and anti-Stalinist socialism through the translated work of Russian revolutionary called Victor Serge.
Career
While still studying at Oxford, Hitchens worked as a correspondent for ‘International Socialism’ which was creatively controlled and published by a set of International Socialists.
In 1971, after graduating from Oxford, he worked as a social science correspondent at the Times Higher Education Supplement, but he was soon fired from there and joined ITV’s Weekend World as a researcher.
In 1973, he joined the New Statesman as a journalist and soon became famous for his aggressive left-winged political views. He met important literary people like Ian McEwan, Martin Amis, etc.
In 1981, while still at the New Statesman, Hitchens went to the Sates under an editor exchange program between his firm and The Nation. He worked there for some time and wrote critical views on American foreign policy, George H. W. Bush, etc.
In 1988, after breaking off the leftist political stance because of the death threats that his writer friend Salman Rushdie was receiving on publishing ‘The Satanic Verses’, Hitchens released his book ‘The Monarchy: A Critique of Britain’s Favorite Fetish’.
In 1992, while still working officially at The Nation, Hitchens started contributing his work to the Vanity Fair and became a contributing Editor of the magazine. He left The Nation after working there for almost 19 years.
In the later 90s, Hitchens started writing and producing the best work of his career in the form of essays, books and journalistic articles. His usual point of discussion in his work was how some of the public figures were raised to the level of gods.
Around same time, he published ‘The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice’ in which he tainted the unblemished reputation of Mother Teresa claiming that she supported the dictators.
In 1999, he published the book ‘No One Left to Lie To: The Triangulations of William Jefferson Clinton’. It was a critique on the beloved figure of the west, Bill Clinton and his wrongdoings, which infuriated the left.
In 2000s, he got the citizenship of the U. S and became a media fellow at the Hovver Institution. He appeared on talk shows like ‘Frontiers’ and ‘Charlie Rose’ and presented his assertive opinions on politics.
In 2000s, he wrote and published ‘Why Orwell Matters’, ‘Thomas Jefferson: Author of America’, ‘Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man: A Biography’. He wrote the essay ‘A Long Short War: The Postponed Liberation of Iraq’, supporting military action in Iraq.
In 2007, he came out with his work called ‘God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything’, in which he criticized the existence of all the religions in the modern society. The book established him as an atheist
In 2007, Hitchens won the National Magazine Award for the category of ‘Columns and Commentary’ for his work for Vanity Fair. Around same time he won the National Magazine Award for Columns on Cancer.
In 2010, his book ‘Hitch-22’ was published, which was a memoir by him. He took a book tour for its publicity and made an announcement during the same that he had an esophageal cancer. He continued the tour.
In 2011, a collection of his sharp one-liners were published called the ‘The Quotable Hitchens: From Alcohol to Zionism’. Another book of his, a collection of critical and political essays, called ‘Arguably: Essays’ was published.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 1973, his mother committed suicide with her secret lover and a former clergyman called Timothy Bryan by taking overdose of sleeping tablets and slashing their wrists in Athens. Hitchens thought that his mother was pressurized into it.
In 1984, he got married to Eleni Meleagrou who was a Greek Cypriot. He met with her on his regular trips to Cyprus, during the early period of his journalistic career. He had two children with her - Alexander and Sophia.
In 1991, Hitchens got married to his second wife Carol Blue. He met her for the first time at the LA airport and it was described by him as the ‘love at first sight’. Blue was a Californian screenwriter. They had a daughter named Antonia.
In 2011, Hitchens died after struggling with esophagus cancer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. His body was donated to medical research, something he had always wished for.
Trivia
His last words, right before his death, were ‘Capitalism downfall’.
His second wedding ceremony took place at the house of the editor of The Nation.
He was very sentimental about his mother’s suicide and found it an emotionally hard process to write about her in his memoir ‘Hitch-22’.
His relationship with his younger brother, Peter Hitchens, who is also a journalist, went through a bit of turmoil when Hitchens called him ‘an idiot’ publically. They reconciled after Hitchens’ nephew was born.
Hitchens was known to be an avid smoker and drinker, a lifestyle that he claimed to as Bohemian and helped him to remain creative.
His wife Carol Blue accepted the LennonOno Grant for Peace on his behalf after his death in 2012.
Many great leaders and creative figures wrote eulogies after Hitchens’ death. It included Salman Rushdie, Tony Blair, Francis Collins, Martin Amis, Sam Harris, Richards Dawkins, etc.
// Famous Newspaper Columnists
Robert Benchley
Robert Benchley was a writer and actor famous for his humor which influenced generations of humorists to come. This biography provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
P. J. O'Rourke
P. J. O’Rourke is an American journalist, political satirist and author. This biography provides detailed information on his childhood, life, career, achievements & timeline.
Rush Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh is an American radio talk show host, political commentator and author. This biography provides detailed information on his childhood, life, career, achievements and timeline.
Christopher Hitchens's awards
| Year | Name | Award |
|---|---|---|
Other | ||
| 2011 | Richard Dawkins Award | |
| 2012 | LennonOno Grant For Peace | |
| 2012 | PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay | |
| 0 | ||
| 0 | 1991 - Lannan Literary Award for Nonfiction | |
| 0 | 2007 - National Magazine Award | |
| 0 | 2011 - National Magazine Award | |
Christopher Hitchens biography timelines
- // 13th Apr 1949Christopher Hitchens was born on 13th April 1949 in Portsmouth, England to Eric and Yvonne Hitchens. His father was in the British Royal Navy because of which the whole family had to constantly move.
- // 1960In 1960, due to his rage over the Vietnam War and the usage of nuclear weapons, rising racism in the west and oligarchy, Hitchens joined politics. He became an active part of the political protests and countercultural movements.
- // 1965In 1965, Hitchens joined the Labour Party and it was around this time that he formed an interest in Trotskyist and anti-Stalinist socialism through the translated work of Russian revolutionary called Victor Serge.
- // 1971In 1971, after graduating from Oxford, he worked as a social science correspondent at the Times Higher Education Supplement, but he was soon fired from there and joined ITV’s Weekend World as a researcher.
- // 1973In 1973, he joined the New Statesman as a journalist and soon became famous for his aggressive left-winged political views. He met important literary people like Ian McEwan, Martin Amis, etc.
- // 1973In 1973, his mother committed suicide with her secret lover and a former clergyman called Timothy Bryan by taking overdose of sleeping tablets and slashing their wrists in Athens. Hitchens thought that his mother was pressurized into it.
- // 1981In 1981, while still at the New Statesman, Hitchens went to the Sates under an editor exchange program between his firm and The Nation. He worked there for some time and wrote critical views on American foreign policy, George H. W. Bush, etc.
- // 1984In 1984, he got married to Eleni Meleagrou who was a Greek Cypriot. He met with her on his regular trips to Cyprus, during the early period of his journalistic career. He had two children with her - Alexander and Sophia.
- // 1988In 1988, after breaking off the leftist political stance because of the death threats that his writer friend Salman Rushdie was receiving on publishing ‘The Satanic Verses’, Hitchens released his book ‘The Monarchy: A Critique of Britain’s Favorite Fetish’.
- // 1991In 1991, Hitchens got married to his second wife Carol Blue. He met her for the first time at the LA airport and it was described by him as the ‘love at first sight’. Blue was a Californian screenwriter. They had a daughter named Antonia.
- // 1992In 1992, while still working officially at The Nation, Hitchens started contributing his work to the Vanity Fair and became a contributing Editor of the magazine. He left The Nation after working there for almost 19 years.
- // 1999In 1999, he published the book ‘No One Left to Lie To: The Triangulations of William Jefferson Clinton’. It was a critique on the beloved figure of the west, Bill Clinton and his wrongdoings, which infuriated the left.
- // 2000In 2000s, he got the citizenship of the U. S and became a media fellow at the Hovver Institution. He appeared on talk shows like ‘Frontiers’ and ‘Charlie Rose’ and presented his assertive opinions on politics.
- // 2000In 2000s, he wrote and published ‘Why Orwell Matters’, ‘Thomas Jefferson: Author of America’, ‘Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man: A Biography’. He wrote the essay ‘A Long Short War: The Postponed Liberation of Iraq’, supporting military action in Iraq.
- // 2007In 2007, he came out with his work called ‘God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything’, in which he criticized the existence of all the religions in the modern society. The book established him as an atheist
- // 2007In 2007, Hitchens won the National Magazine Award for the category of ‘Columns and Commentary’ for his work for Vanity Fair. Around same time he won the National Magazine Award for Columns on Cancer.
- // 2010In 2010, his book ‘Hitch-22’ was published, which was a memoir by him. He took a book tour for its publicity and made an announcement during the same that he had an esophageal cancer. He continued the tour.
- // 2011In 2011, a collection of his sharp one-liners were published called the ‘The Quotable Hitchens: From Alcohol to Zionism’. Another book of his, a collection of critical and political essays, called ‘Arguably: Essays’ was published.
- // 2011In 2011, Hitchens died after struggling with esophagus cancer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. His body was donated to medical research, something he had always wished for.
- // 2012His wife Carol Blue accepted the LennonOno Grant for Peace on his behalf after his death in 2012.
// Famous Oxford University
Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch is a renowned Australian business magnate famous for his establishment, ‘News Corporation’ in the US. Read on for detailed information about his childhood, profile, career and timeline
John Donne
John Donne was a famous English poet, satirist, lawyer and priest of his time. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and other facts related to his life.
Michael York
Michael York is a famous English actor who has enjoyed a busy and varied career in both, television and film. Explore this biography to learn more about his profile, childhood, life and timeline.
J. Paul Getty
J. Paul Getty was an American billionaire businessman and president of the Getty Oil Company. This biography offers detailed information about his childhood, life, career and timeline.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson is a British actress and model, best-known for her role as ‘Hermione Granger’ in the Harry Potter series. Explore this biography to learn more about her profile, childhood, life and timeline.
Rowan Douglas Williams
Rowan Douglas Williams is an Anglican bishop, poet and theologian. This article traces his childhood, life achievements, works & timeline.
Christopher Hitchens's FAQ
What is Christopher Hitchens birthday?
Christopher Hitchens was born at 1949-04-13
When was Christopher Hitchens died?
Christopher Hitchens was died at 2011-12-15
Where was Christopher Hitchens died?
Christopher Hitchens was died in Houston
Which age was Christopher Hitchens died?
Christopher Hitchens was died at age 62
Where is Christopher Hitchens's birth place?
Christopher Hitchens was born in Portsmouth
What is Christopher Hitchens nationalities?
Christopher Hitchens's nationalities is British, American
Who is Christopher Hitchens spouses?
Christopher Hitchens's spouses is Carol Blue (m. 1991–2011), Eleni Meleagrou (m. 1981–1989)
Who is Christopher Hitchens siblings?
Christopher Hitchens's siblings is Peter Hitchens
Who is Christopher Hitchens childrens?
Christopher Hitchens's childrens is Alexander Hitchens, Antonia Hitchens, Sophia Hitchens
What was Christopher Hitchens universities?
Christopher Hitchens studied at Oxford University, Balliol College, University of Oxford, The Leys School
What was Christopher Hitchens notable alumnis?
Christopher Hitchens's notable alumnis is Oxford University
What is Christopher Hitchens's political ideology?
Christopher Hitchens's political ideology is Socialist
Who is Christopher Hitchens's father?
Christopher Hitchens's father is Eric Ernest
Who is Christopher Hitchens's mother?
Christopher Hitchens's mother is Yvonne Jean
What is Christopher Hitchens's sun sign?
Christopher Hitchens is Aries
How famous is Christopher Hitchens?
Christopher Hitchens is famouse as Author