Christopher Hitchens, who was a finalist for last year's NBCC award in autobiography for his boisterous memoir Hitch 22, reviewed here in our 31 Books in 31 Days series,died last night at age 62 of complications of esophogheal cancer. Tributes have begun, here, here,here, here, here, here, here, here (Nicholas Jackson noting, “Tonight, I have confirmed that the New York Times has stopped the presses to redraw A1. That is, the most influential newspaper in the world has put its work and printing process on hold to make room on the front page for the obituary of a single man. If that isn't a testament to his work, I don't know what is,” and here. Photos here. Follow commentary on Twitter #Htichreads (thanks to Muckrack).
A preview of his final interview with Richard Dawkins for The New Statesman here.
Memorable quotes from Hitch 22:
“I became a journalist partly so that I wouldn't ever have to rely on the press for my information.”
“What is your idea of earthly happiness? To be vindicated in my own lifetime.”
“Cheap booze is a false economy.”