Left Hooks, Right Crosses: A Decade of Political Writing

by Christopher Hitchens, Christopher Caldwell (Editor)

Christopher Hitchens, provocateur and contrarian on the Left, makes the news as often as he reports it, and writes about the most controversial news and current events. Christopher Caldwell is a fresh and objective columnist in the opposite camp. Together, they present the best writing from opposite corners of the political ring at the end of the last century. These incisive observers examine each other's choices and discuss in separate introductions just what they think of the picks. "Hitchens has made a career of disagreement and dissent, of being a thorn in search of a side."—Publishers Weekly "[Hitchens] is an irritable, irreverent, sarcastic, witty, and intelligent champion of the Left."—Library Journal

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Essays, Philosophy, History

414 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2002

About the author

Christopher 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.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent overview of the 90's from the right as well as the left. Great selections from the Zeitgeist!

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge collection that reveals the shadow that overhangs our politics to this day (into the 2020's). Having been a child during the time that these essays were written and published, I was surprised to see more familiar names, faces, terms, and ideas that I started noticing in the 2010's. As the saying goes, "the more things change, the more they stay the same."

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very powerful collection of polemic from both sides of the political divide. The contributions from the right are slightly more clever in this particular selection. (Aside from Nat Hentoff, who is excellent.) Partly this can be attributed to the good taste of Mr. Hitchens, since the editors chose from their opposite numbers. A good way to remember the atmosphere of the 90's.

[Jerrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good bit of reading in politics... I love that it presents both 'sides' of the muddy octagon that is politics... At times it was grueling to read; sometimes pleasureful. I'm still unsure as to my left or right 'ness;' I think it is for the better.