Hitchens and Wheen

On Thursday I went to London to see Christopher Hitchens being interviewed by Francis Wheen in order to promote his recent book Love, Poverty and War. It took place at UCL and present in the audience was Nick Cohen and Ian Mcewan. The latter was there, I presume, with a view to the interview due to take place at the Hay Festival. The unshaven Hitchens was on fine form although the audience questions tended to focus on his opinions surrounding the Iraq war. It would have been nice if he could have been probed on the vast array of topics covered in his book, which range from Route 66 to Chomsky, from Saul Bellow to atheism. I got two books signed.

Francis Wheen was wearing his MCC tie and possibly been at Lord's for England v Bangladesh. I am halfway through his latest book, 'A Short History of Modern Delusions', a thorough investigataion into an array of subjects from Enlightenment, Economics, self-help gurus and fraudulent personalities. It contains surprisingly little comment, Wheen preferring to present the facts and quotes. His arguments don't need re-stating. A refreshing, intelligent read.

Hitchens is due to be interviewd on Radio 3's Night Waves on Wednesday night at 2130hrs.

Hay Festival, books, Christopher Hitchens, Ian Mcewan, Francis Wheen