It may end up being his final work, but this collection of essays and criticism by Christopher Hitchens is at least a fitting coda to a long career spent sparring with those at both ends of the political spectrum. Unlike more-explosive political and cultural writers, Hitch first attempts to win you over with logic and reason, and if that doesn't work, cutting sarcasm and more than a few vicious, if factual, putdowns. With a wealth of historical, philosophical, and literary references, he's the leading force in anti-anti-intellectualism, even if that means you'll need to flip over to Wikipedia occasionally for context. --
Dan Ackerman Buy on Amazon. Buy on Barnes & Noble.