Arguably

by Christopher Hitchens
Arguably cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Essays / Essay Collections
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  • ID: 4456
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780857892577
  • Publisher: Atlantic Books Ltd
  • Published: 2011-10-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Arguably is a compilation of Christopher Hitchens' most incisive and thought-provoking essays from the past decade. Covering a wide range of topics including politics, literature, and religion, Hitchens' writing is known for its unyielding commitment to truth and its ability to challenge conventional wisdom. His essays explore the lives and works of figures like Charles Dickens and Karl Marx, as well as his own intrepid observations from travels to places like Iran and China. Hitchens' life has been marked by defiance and wit, making him a voice of reason in an age of digital punditry. This volume is an indispensable companion for those seeking insightful and courageous commentary on the issues that matter most. Hitchens' essays are not just about the topics he covers but also about the way he engages with them. His writing is characterized by a deep respect for reason and a disdain for authority, making his work both intellectually stimulating and morally compelling. Whether he is dissecting political movements, literary classics, or religious beliefs, Hitchens brings a unique perspective that is both enlightening and entertaining. Arguably is a testament to his enduring influence on politics and literature on both sides of the Atlantic.

Reviews
The Independent · 2011-09-23
positive 4.00

The book is celebrated for its remarkable essays on a variety of authors, offering a unique and insightful perspective. It is a pleasure to read Hitchens' thoughts on both favorite and unexpected authors.

The reviewer finds great pleasure in reading Hitchens' essays on a wide range of authors, both familiar and unexpected. They appreciate the unique and insightful perspective that Hitchens brings to each subject, making the book a remarkable and enjoyable read. The reviewer particularly enjoys the author's ability to engage with different literary styles and present them in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking. They see the book as a valuable addition to Hitchens' body of work, offering readers a deep and nuanced understanding of various literary figures.

Quick quotes

    So one great pleasure provided by this remarkable book is to read what he says of many favourite and unexpected authors (Saki, Anthony Powell, ...).

    Hitchens' essays are filled with wit, insight, and a deep understanding of the literary landscape.

    This book is a testament to Hitchens' enduring relevance and his ability to provoke thought and debate.

The Guardian · 2011-09-16
mixed 3.00

The writing is criticized for its evasive syntax and lack of argumentation, which weakens the impact of the essays. Despite this, the collection offers a wealth of topics and Hitchens' characteristic wit.

The reviewer points out that the writing style can be frustrating at times, with a tendency towards evasive syntax and unargued claims. This can make the reading experience less enjoyable and somewhat confusing. However, they acknowledge that the book covers a wide range of topics and showcases Hitchens' wit and intelligence. The collection is seen as a valuable addition to Hitchens' body of work, despite its flaws. They appreciate the breadth of subjects covered and the author's ability to engage with complex issues in an accessible way.

Quick quotes

    The combination of creepily evasive syntax ("may even be", "might have been seen") with huge but unargued claims makes for bad writing as well.

    Yet, the book is more than a collection of essays; it is a testament to Hitchens' enduring relevance and his ability to provoke thought and debate.

    Hitchens' wit and intelligence shine through, making the book a valuable addition to his body of work.

The New York Times · 2011-09-09
positive 4.50

The book is praised for its extensive and diverse essays, which showcase Hitchens' extensive travels and deep insights. It is described as a great ingot of a book, filled with thought-provoking content.

The reviewer highly recommends this collection of essays, highlighting its extensive and diverse nature. They appreciate the depth of Hitchens' insights and the breadth of topics covered, from extensive travels to inconvenient places to profound reflections on various subjects. The book is seen as a significant contribution to Hitchens' literary legacy, offering readers a wealth of thought-provoking content. The reviewer particularly enjoys the author's ability to engage with complex issues and present them in an accessible and engaging manner.

Quick quotes

    "Arguably" is a great ingot of a book, more than 780 pages containing 107 essays.

    Some of them entailed extensive travel in inconvenient places, and all of them are filled with Hitchens' characteristic wit and insight.

    This is a book that will challenge and entertain readers, offering a deep dive into the mind of one of the most provocative thinkers of our time.

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