Episode 271: The Literary Life of Peter Hitchens

The White Company is a historical adventure novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, set during the Hundred Years' War. The story follows Alleyne Edricson, a young man raised in a monastery, as he joins the White Company, a band of English mercenaries led by Sir Nigel Loring. Together, they embark on a series of adventures and battles in France and Spain, culminating in the Battle of Nájera. Doyle's vivid depiction of medieval life and his exploration of themes such as chivalry and social class make this novel a compelling read.

Elizabeth von Arnim's "The Enchanted April" is a novel about a group of women who rent a castle in Italy. The novel explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the restorative power of nature. Von Arnim's witty writing and charming characters make the novel a delightful read. The novel's exploration of female relationships and the importance of personal growth continues to resonate with readers. The novel's setting in Italy adds to its charm and provides a backdrop for the characters' transformations.

In 'East of Eden', John Steinbeck tells the story of the Trask and Hamilton families, set against the backdrop of California's Salinas Valley. The novel is a modern retelling of the biblical story of Cain and Abel, focusing on the tumultuous relationship between Cal and Aron Trask, and their struggles with their father, Adam. The book delves into themes of love, rejection, and the choice between good and evil, symbolized by the Hebrew word 'timshel', meaning 'thou mayest'. The narrative is rich with characters like Samuel Hamilton, a kind and wise patriarch, and Kate, the embodiment of evil, whose past and actions significantly impact the lives of the Trasks.

Published in 1954, 'Lucky Jim' is Kingsley Amis's first novel and follows the academic and romantic struggles of Jim Dixon, a young lecturer in medieval history. The novel humorously explores themes of social class, intellectual pretension, and personal authenticity as Dixon navigates the absurdities of academia and his tumultuous love life. The book is known for its vivid satire of post-war British society and academia, and its portrayal of Dixon's rebellious yet trapped existence within the academic system. It won the 1955 Somerset Maugham Award for fiction and has been included in 'TIME 100 Best English-language Novels from 1923 to 2005'[3][4][5].

Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage" is a semi-autobiographical novel exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning. The story follows Philip Carey, a young man with a clubfoot, as he navigates the complexities of life and relationships. Maugham's masterful storytelling and his insightful portrayal of human emotions have made "Of Human Bondage" a classic of English literature. The novel's exploration of themes such as ambition, self-discovery, and the human condition continues to resonate with readers. Its unflinching portrayal of human flaws and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships have secured its place as a literary masterpiece.

Sir Nigel is a historical novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, set during the early phase of the Hundred Years' War. It follows the life of Nigel Loring, a young squire who seeks to become a knight and win the hand of Lady Mary by performing three acts of bravery. The novel explores themes of honor, chivalry, and war, providing a vivid portrayal of 14th-century life in England and Europe.

Tender Is the Night is a novel that delves into the intense and complicated relationship between Dick and Nicole Diver, an American couple living in the South of France, and Rosemary Hoyt, a young actress. The story explores themes of social class, codependent love, and mental illness, reflecting the excesses and disillusionments of the Jazz Age. Dick, a brilliant psychiatrist, marries Nicole, a wealthy and mentally unstable patient, and their relationship is complicated by Dick's infatuation with Rosemary. The novel critiques the superficiality and moral decay of the wealthy elite and is heavily influenced by Fitzgerald's own life, particularly his relationship with his wife Zelda, who struggled with mental illness.

The Caine Mutiny is a novel by Herman Wouk, drawing heavily from his personal experiences aboard destroyer-minesweepers in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The story revolves around the USS Caine, a Navy ship commanded by the increasingly erratic Captain Philip Francis Queeg. Tensions between Queeg and his officers, particularly Executive Officer Steve Maryk, come to a head during Typhoon Cobra, leading Maryk to relieve Queeg of command under Article 184 of the Navy Regulations. The novel culminates in a court-martial where Lieutenant Barney Greenwald, a naval aviator and attorney, defends Maryk. The trial exposes Queeg's mental instability and results in Maryk's acquittal, but with significant consequences for the careers of those involved. The novel explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the complexities of military command[2][4][6].

While the podcast mentions "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in relation to a John Donne sermon, it's important to note that the title is most famously associated with Ernest Hemingway's novel. Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is set during the Spanish Civil War and follows Robert Jordan, an American volunteer fighting alongside the Republicans. The novel explores themes of war, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of political conflict. Jordan's experiences and relationships highlight the complexities of war and the human cost of ideological battles. The novel's powerful prose and exploration of universal themes have cemented its place as a classic of 20th-century literature.

Published in 1945, 'Brideshead Revisited' is a satirical novel by Evelyn Waugh that chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Flyte family from the 1920s through to the Second World War. The story is narrated by Captain Charles Ryder, who forms a deep friendship with Sebastian Flyte at Oxford University. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, the pervasive influence of the Catholic Church on the Flyte family, and the gradual decay of the aristocratic way of life. It explores themes of faith, love, and the search for meaning in a world undergoing significant change. Waugh's work is noted for its elegant prose, witty dialogue, and a profound exploration of the human condition[2][3][5].

Cakes and Ale is a satirical novel by W. Somerset Maugham, published in 1930. It tells the story of Edward Driffield, a famous novelist, and his two wives, contrasting the vibrant and free-spirited Rosie with the more conventional Amy. The novel is narrated by William Ashenden, a character modeled after Maugham himself, and explores themes of literary reputation, social snobbery, and the complexities of human relationships.

In 'Homage to Catalonia', George Orwell provides a firsthand and candid account of his experiences during the Spanish Civil War. The book details his decision to enlist in the worker's militia of the POUM (Partido Obrero de Unificación Marxista), his training in Barcelona, and his time on the front lines in Aragón. Orwell vividly describes the camaraderie, hardships, and political complexities of the war, including the betrayal of the anarchist and socialist factions by the Communist Party. The book also includes his personal account of being wounded and his subsequent hospitalization, as well as his observations on the political deceit and media manipulation that characterized the conflict. Orwell's narrative is marked by his commitment to honesty, his critique of political factions, and his admiration for the resilience and courage of the Spanish people[2][4][5].

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.

Written in 1938 and published in 1939, 'Coming Up for Air' is a first-person narrative by George Orwell. The story follows George Bowling, a 45-year-old insurance salesman, who wins some money and decides to visit his childhood home in Lower Binfield. Bowling's journey is driven by nostalgia for his pre-World War I childhood and a desire to escape the stresses of his current life. However, upon his return, he finds that everything has changed, reflecting the broader themes of nostalgia, the impossibility of recapturing the past, and the looming threat of World War II. The novel is characterized by its pessimistic yet humorous tone, highlighting the tension between nostalgia and the inevitability of change and war[1][3][4].

In 'Politics and the English Language', George Orwell argues that vague and imprecise language can obscure truth and manipulate public opinion. He critiques the 'ugly and inaccurate' written English of his time, particularly in political contexts, where language is used to 'make lies sound truthful and murder respectable'. Orwell emphasizes the importance of clear and concrete language, suggesting that poor writing fosters poor political thinking and is a danger to society. He provides examples of bad writing and offers guidelines for effective writing, including six rules to avoid the misuse of language. Orwell believes that language and thought are interdependent and that improving language can help improve political life[1][3][5].

The Wind in the Willows is a classic children's novel written by Kenneth Grahame. The story follows the adventures of several anthropomorphic animals—primarily Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger—as they explore the riverbank and nearby Wild Wood. The novel highlights themes of friendship, nature, and the charm of rural life. It includes various adventures such as Toad's obsession with motorcars, a visit to the Wild Wood, and a climactic battle to reclaim Toad Hall from weasels and stoats. The book is known for its evocative descriptions of the countryside and its engaging characters[1][3][4].

In 'The Phoney Victory', Peter Hitchens questions the conventional narrative of World War II as a 'Good War', arguing that Britain's entry into the war led to its decline and that the Allies sometimes used immoral methods. He critiques the idea that Britain went to war to save the Jewish population and highlights the unpreparedness of Britain and France for a major European conflict.

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].

Peter Hitchens's "The Rage Against God" is a memoir exploring his journey away from religious faith. Hitchens recounts his upbringing in a religious household and his eventual rejection of organized religion. The book delves into his personal experiences and intellectual arguments that shaped his worldview. It offers a candid and often critical perspective on religious belief and its impact on society. Hitchens's writing style is known for its wit and intellectual rigor, making the book engaging for readers regardless of their religious beliefs.

The novel follows the story of Willie Stark, a governor modeled after Huey 'Kingfish' Long, as he rises from poverty to become a powerful political figure in the Deep South. The narrative is intertwined with the life of Jack Burden, a political reporter who becomes Stark's right-hand man. As Stark's career unfolds, he transitions from an honest idealist to a corrupt demagogue, highlighting the corrupting influence of power. The novel also delves into philosophical and moral questions, exploring the consequences of actions and the search for redemption. Through Jack Burden's narrative, the book examines the complexities of human nature and the impact of political ambition on individuals and society[2][4][5].

In 'A Brief History of Time', Stephen Hawking delves into fundamental questions about the universe, including its origin, the nature of space and time, and the fate of the cosmos. The book discusses key concepts such as the Big Bang, black holes, and the theories of general relativity and quantum mechanics. Hawking also explores the possibility of time travel and wormholes, and he reflects on the intersection of science and philosophy, including the search for a unifying theory of everything and the implications for our understanding of existence and the universe[2][3][4].