Christopher Hitchens was a British-American author, journalist, and public intellectual known for his wit and eloquence. Born on April 13, 1949, in Portsmouth, England, he gained fame for his critiques of religion and his advocacy for secularism. Hitchens wrote several influential books, including God Is Not Great, where he argued against the existence of a deity and the impact of religion on society. Throughout his career, Hitchens contributed to various publications, including The Atlantic and Vanity Fair. He was also a prominent speaker and debater, often engaging in discussions about politics, literature, and philosophy. Hitchens passed away on December 15, 2011, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of public discourse.