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Prepared for the Worst: Selected Essays and Minority Reports
Hitchens has written a great deal of bracing good sense on politics & literature in the past decades. Much of it has been collected between the covers of this well-packed book. Since these pieces originally appeared in journals as wide-ranging as the TLS, Grand Street, Harper's, Mother Jones, The Nation & Spectator, only the most avid admirer would be likely to have come across them all. In addition to the predictable, eloquent Reagan-bashing, there are thoughtful essays on Paul Scott & his Raj Quartet, the contradictions of George Orwell, the Brideshead phenomenon, that very independent-minded Israeli Professor Israel Shahak, Conor Cruise O'Brien, even something as up-to-date as a perceptive review of Bonfire of the Vanities. Hitchens writes clearly, from a well-stocked mind, & is free of the cant that affects many political journalists. Why the kinds of views that he & his very kindred spirit Alexander Cockburn express so well never receive an airing on TV, where they'd reach a much wider audience, remains a source of shame to a supposedly free medium. In any case, book & magazine readers can feel fortunate that publishers suffer no such self-imposed restraints.
-- Publishers Weekly
-- Publishers Weekly
Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
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About the author
Christopher Hitchens
163 books7,893 followersChristopher Hitchens was a British-American author, journalist, and literary critic known for his sharp wit, polemical writing, and outspoken views on religion, politics, and culture. He was a prolific essayist and columnist, contributing to publications such as The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Slate, and The Nation.
A staunch critic of totalitarianism and organized religion, Hitchens became one of the most prominent public intellectuals of his time. His book God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything (2007) became a bestseller and solidified his place as a leading figure in the New Atheism movement. He was equally fearless in political criticism, taking on figures across the ideological spectrum, from Henry Kissinger (The Trial of Henry Kissinger, 2001) to Bill and Hillary Clinton (No One Left to Lie To, 1999).
Originally a socialist and supporter of left-wing causes, Hitchens later distanced himself from the left, particularly after the September 11 attacks, when he became a vocal advocate for the U.S. invasion of Iraq. His ideological shift, combined with his formidable debating skills, made him a controversial yet highly respected figure.
Hitchens was also known for his literary criticism, writing extensively on figures such as George Orwell, Thomas Jefferson, and Karl Marx. His memoir, Hitch-22 (2010), reflected on his personal and intellectual journey.
In 2010, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer but continued to write and speak publicly until his death in 2011. His fearless engagement with ideas, incisive arguments, and commitment to reason remain influential long after his passing.
A staunch critic of totalitarianism and organized religion, Hitchens became one of the most prominent public intellectuals of his time. His book God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything (2007) became a bestseller and solidified his place as a leading figure in the New Atheism movement. He was equally fearless in political criticism, taking on figures across the ideological spectrum, from Henry Kissinger (The Trial of Henry Kissinger, 2001) to Bill and Hillary Clinton (No One Left to Lie To, 1999).
Originally a socialist and supporter of left-wing causes, Hitchens later distanced himself from the left, particularly after the September 11 attacks, when he became a vocal advocate for the U.S. invasion of Iraq. His ideological shift, combined with his formidable debating skills, made him a controversial yet highly respected figure.
Hitchens was also known for his literary criticism, writing extensively on figures such as George Orwell, Thomas Jefferson, and Karl Marx. His memoir, Hitch-22 (2010), reflected on his personal and intellectual journey.
In 2010, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer but continued to write and speak publicly until his death in 2011. His fearless engagement with ideas, incisive arguments, and commitment to reason remain influential long after his passing.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 23, 2012
I'd give this one 1 1/2 stars if I could. I enjoyed the writing style. I'd be interested in reading more of Hitchens' work on topics I find interesting.
But this is a book analyzing political, historical, and literary events in the mid-1980s. I believe the essays are meant to be read in the 1980s, by people with a good understanding of those events. My memories of the mid-1980s mostly involve fingerpainting and watching Popples, so I was not the intended audience.
I imagine this sense of bafflement is how my two year year old daughter will feel if, twenty-five years from now, she finds herself reading sardonic analysis of the 2012 presidential debates.
But this is a book analyzing political, historical, and literary events in the mid-1980s. I believe the essays are meant to be read in the 1980s, by people with a good understanding of those events. My memories of the mid-1980s mostly involve fingerpainting and watching Popples, so I was not the intended audience.
I imagine this sense of bafflement is how my two year year old daughter will feel if, twenty-five years from now, she finds herself reading sardonic analysis of the 2012 presidential debates.
June 6, 2018
I often wish Christopher Hitchens was still alive, not only because that would be great, but also because I want to know what he would think about all of the events happening in the world these days. Donald Trump, the craziness with Russia and North Korea, the #metoo movement -- everything.
But then there are these books. And reading through them it makes me realize that every era has crazy events and controversies and luckily for us, Hitchens wrote about many of them. These pieces about Reagan, Nixon, Nicaragua, South Africa, and more are about another time, for sure, but many of the issues discussed are still current issues. New people, new places maybe; same old world.
But then there are these books. And reading through them it makes me realize that every era has crazy events and controversies and luckily for us, Hitchens wrote about many of them. These pieces about Reagan, Nixon, Nicaragua, South Africa, and more are about another time, for sure, but many of the issues discussed are still current issues. New people, new places maybe; same old world.
May 29, 2022
It's such a relief to learn that early Hitchens is still great Hitchens. Prepared for the Worst is a collection of his best essays from the late Seventies and the Eighties and, if not quite prepared for the worst, I wasn't expecting it to match his later work.
Happily, however, there's plenty of great writing, including some material that Hitchens was happy enough to repurpose for his later memoir, Hitch-22. There are early indicators of the writer honing one of his most potent weapons, his arch turn of phrase: "He takes this point on the chin," Hitchens writes of one unfortunate target, "and nearly floors himself in the process" (pg. 168). And the opening of one of his Kissinger essays, 'The Trouble with Henry', races gloriously out of the blocks, as though impatient to get stuck in to a man who would become a regular target. It deserves to be quoted in full:
"When I had finished digesting The White House Years, I was so replete with its mendacity and conceit that I took a vow. I swore that I would never read another work by Henry Kissinger until the publication of his prison letters. But the old prayer "O Lord, Let Mine Enemy Write a Book" has proved too strong not to be answered once again." (pg. 152)
Some of the writing about the Reagan years is understandably dated, but the evident vigour in passages such as the one above ensures that, in 2022, reading early Hitchens is not a redundant exercise. He opens the collection by quoting Nadine Gordimer, who said she tried to "write posthumously" and aimed to "communicate as if she were already dead" (pg. 3). Though its own author has now been dead more than a decade, there is in Prepared for the Worst a clarity of thought, and a determination not to speak cravenly or in euphemisms, that ensures it remains refreshing. Hitchens speaks!
Happily, however, there's plenty of great writing, including some material that Hitchens was happy enough to repurpose for his later memoir, Hitch-22. There are early indicators of the writer honing one of his most potent weapons, his arch turn of phrase: "He takes this point on the chin," Hitchens writes of one unfortunate target, "and nearly floors himself in the process" (pg. 168). And the opening of one of his Kissinger essays, 'The Trouble with Henry', races gloriously out of the blocks, as though impatient to get stuck in to a man who would become a regular target. It deserves to be quoted in full:
"When I had finished digesting The White House Years, I was so replete with its mendacity and conceit that I took a vow. I swore that I would never read another work by Henry Kissinger until the publication of his prison letters. But the old prayer "O Lord, Let Mine Enemy Write a Book" has proved too strong not to be answered once again." (pg. 152)
Some of the writing about the Reagan years is understandably dated, but the evident vigour in passages such as the one above ensures that, in 2022, reading early Hitchens is not a redundant exercise. He opens the collection by quoting Nadine Gordimer, who said she tried to "write posthumously" and aimed to "communicate as if she were already dead" (pg. 3). Though its own author has now been dead more than a decade, there is in Prepared for the Worst a clarity of thought, and a determination not to speak cravenly or in euphemisms, that ensures it remains refreshing. Hitchens speaks!
December 10, 2014
Cockburn and Hitchens having been my favorite regular contributors to The Nation, I picked this book by the latter up when I found it. Even now that Hitchens has gone big time with Vanity Fair, leaving The Nation, and has thrown in his hat with the invaders of Afghanistan and Iraq, I still admire the quality of his writing and his acerbic wit.
A few years ago I attended a reception for him--by graduate students, I believe--at the New School for Social Research in Manhattan. He came, picked up a bottle of scotch and left. I may have seen his back for an instant.
A few years ago I attended a reception for him--by graduate students, I believe--at the New School for Social Research in Manhattan. He came, picked up a bottle of scotch and left. I may have seen his back for an instant.
March 21, 2020
Dated, however still very informative and witty as only Hitchens could be.
July 13, 2022
Notable essays:
-- Comrade Orwell
-- The Cathouse and the Cross
-- The Tolling Bell
-- Dear Oscar
-- Comrade Orwell
-- The Cathouse and the Cross
-- The Tolling Bell
-- Dear Oscar
March 30, 2025
A collection of Hitchens' earlier essays largely concerned with the US.
The flair for language is evident although a little more dry as compared with his later work.
The standout essay for me would be the one concerning Orwell, it is absolutely superb!
The flair for language is evident although a little more dry as compared with his later work.
The standout essay for me would be the one concerning Orwell, it is absolutely superb!
June 30, 2018
Some articles are dated, but the collection is large enough to satisfy with timely ones.
May 22, 2022
His better work is still to come; not a fan of these shorter pieces.
April 29, 2019
A beautifully written collection of early-Hitchens. There are perhaps a few too many articles on the minutiae of 1980s scandals such as the "Iran-Contra affair" but overall well worth reading.
The lack of a proper Contents page is irritating. There are five section headings, with their page numbers, but nothing for the individual essays within each section. Also no index.
The lack of a proper Contents page is irritating. There are five section headings, with their page numbers, but nothing for the individual essays within each section. Also no index.
December 28, 2013
Really nice to read Hitchens' early work. I realized I made it all the way to the end of December without reading any of his words. Glad I was able to change that. The reflections on then-current events and particularly the Reagan presidency are not to be missed. And despite the essay collection including articles more than 30 years old, it does not feel dated.
June 21, 2013
Although some of the political essays are obsolescent, his writing on Kissinger, Reagan, Marx, Guatemala, religion, lobbies, PACs, terrorism, news media etc remains relevant. The book also contains fantastic essays on Borges, Wilde, Orwell and Joan Didion.
January 31, 2016
I always enjoy reading work that remains engaged and fearless throughout. So many essayists cringe before power or weakness (depending on their political proclivities) that this form of writing has no real future given current trends.
March 29, 2017
This book was not published in this country, yet so many of the essays (originally published in magazines and newspapers) are extremely relevant to this country now. The "common man knows better than people that have studied a subject intensively" and "intellectuals are out of touch with the common man" seeds were sprouting well during the 1970's and 1980's.
One essay that speaks of the lack of a sound definition of the word "terrorism" is unfortunately more applicable in the 21st century than it was in the 1980's. Not all essays are about the United States, but then the U.S. does not operate in a vacuum.
I am beginning to wonder if we have ever had an non-corrupt executive other than Jimmy Carter and if we have ever had a non-corrupt Senate or House. Certainly, politically and morally corrupt politicians don't hide it like they used to.
This is not a quick read, but it is well worth waiting for it to ship from overseas booksellers.
One essay that speaks of the lack of a sound definition of the word "terrorism" is unfortunately more applicable in the 21st century than it was in the 1980's. Not all essays are about the United States, but then the U.S. does not operate in a vacuum.
I am beginning to wonder if we have ever had an non-corrupt executive other than Jimmy Carter and if we have ever had a non-corrupt Senate or House. Certainly, politically and morally corrupt politicians don't hide it like they used to.
This is not a quick read, but it is well worth waiting for it to ship from overseas booksellers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews