Christopher Hitchens remains one of the most influential and controversial writers of his generation. But before the books, the television appearances, the Oxford Union debates and the reputation as one of the great polemicists of his age, he was a young journalist finding his voice.

Steve Wasserman knew that Christopher Hitchens.

Wasserman is a writer, editor, publisher and literary agent who has spent decades at the center of American literary and intellectual life. Over the course of his career, he has worked with and known some of the most important writers and thinkers of the past half-century.

In this episode of Eyewitness History, Steve takes us inside that world.

We discuss Hitchens, including what he was like before he became famous, his extraordinary gifts as a writer and conversationalist, and the qualities that made him such a compelling intellectual figure.

But the conversation goes far beyond Hitchens. Steve and Josh also discuss the craft of writing, the art of editing, the relationship between writers and editors, and the changing world of literary journalism.

Steve also discusses his memoir, Tell Me Something, Tell Me Anything, Even If It's a Lie, and why he chose to tell the story of his life through essays and memories rather than a conventional autobiography.

And Josh discusses his own book, William F. Buckley Jr.'s Guide to Friendship in a Polarized Era, and the enduring importance of intellectual friendships across political and ideological divides.

Topics include:

• Christopher Hitchens before he became famous

• Hitchens as a young journalist

• What made Hitchens such a remarkable writer

• Hitchens's approach to writing and argument

• The relationship between writers and editors

• Steve Wasserman's career in publishing and literary journalism

• The art of recognizing great writing

• Tell Me Something, Tell Me Anything, Even If It's a Lie

• Steve's memories of the literary world

• The importance of intellectual curiosity

• Writing, friendship and ideological disagreement

Steve's Book: https://www.heydaybooks.com/catalog/tell-me-something-tell-me-anything-even-if-its-a-lie/

HeyDay Festival: https://www.heydaybooks.com/harvest/

Josh's Book: https://www.amazon.com/William-Buckley-Guide-Friendship-Polarized/dp/1956454926