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- Verified Buyer
The reader needs to know the biographer as well as the subject. Hitch, before influencer was a word, was what was known as a public intellectual. Writing long magazine articles, books, after dinner speeches (usually under the influence of strong coffee, alcohol, and fine dining) on topics such as atheism and Thomas Paine, he honed his craft over many years. Starting on the usual British Left (supporting CND, human rights, feminism and so forth), he migrated in the late 90s to neo-conservatism. He wrote books critical of Bill Clinton, Henry Kissinger and vocally supported the American misadventures in Afghanistan and Iraq. Aside: Remember those who start on the Left are essentially authoritarian and so 'imposing democracy by warfare? no problem! Also, you could argue he is not even the best writer in his own family - check out his brother Peter Hitchens absolutely on point on topics such as The End of Free Speech in the United Kingdom. However, much as I strongly disagree with almost all of his positions, I tip my hat to his writing craft and analytical skill. This book is useful to read on Kindle, because you might need a dictionary. Do you know exactly what adamantine means? How about Pharisaic?What about Jefferson? After a slow start dealing with upbringing, the Declaration, Sally Hemmings and other well tread paths, Hitch gets into his stride on the French Revolution, Paine, Burke, Lafayette, Madison, Adams, Hamilton and other key players. Hitch is really clearly in his wheelhouse here and offers a concise, dazzling array of analysis that almost reads like a Brandeis brief. Often the reader has to just pause and think for a moment, it's that good. Try this on Jefferson's first term, where Hitch focuses on 1. The Barbary Wars 2. Louisiana Purchase 3. Lewis and Clark expedition:"In some respects, the success of Jefferson's first term was a flaunting of the medals of his earlier defeats"..."He made use of Hamilton's banking system, of Adam's military and naval strength, of the once detested Atlantic alliance with Britain, and even the principle of the Alien and Sedition Acts"That is great writing and thoughtful analysis. Jefferson, always retreating to Monticello, the reluctant campaigner, was a very practical politician, using the tools available to him regardless of ideology. The Louisiana purchase was probably unconstitutional, but it was the bargain of the millennium.Interestingly, as Hitchens details, Jefferson was the first president to claim executive privilege. This was in regard to the Vice President Burr treason case over his adventures in the Spanish held southern states. Justice Marshall requested access to all government documents, Jefferson demurred.One of the last acts of Jefferson as President was signing the (snigger, sounds like a deal I currently have with my missus) Non-Intercourse Act, which replaced the unpopular Embargo Act. The NIA ensured no more American Pacific interventionist involvement in European affairs for over 100 years, and an almost uninterrupted economic ascendancy, until (that scoundrel tyrant) Woodrow Wilson.
