100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery on in-stock orders 🚀

The Portable Atheist

Essential Readings for the Nonbeliever
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Portable Atheist offers a stimulating journey through atheist and agnostic thought, curated by Christopher Hitchens, author of God Is Not Great. This collection features significant writings from historical and contemporary figures such as Lucretius, Spinoza, Darwin, Marx, Twain, Russell, Einstein, and more. With new contributions by Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Hitchens contextualises these voices to explore the case for a universe without God in a provocative and witty manner.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This collection will resonate with readers interested in philosophy, religion, and secular thought. It suits atheists, agnostics, and anyone curious about critiques of religion or the intellectual history of disbelief, as well as fans of Christopher Hitchens and provocative literary and cultural debate.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Christopher Hitchens's personally curated New York Times bestselling anthology of the most influential and important writings on atheism, including original pieces by Salman Rushdie and Ian McEwan

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From the #1 New York Times best-selling author of God Is Not Great, a provocative and entertaining guided tour of atheist and agnostic thought through the ages—with never-before-published pieces by Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

Christopher Hitchens continues to make the case for a splendidly godless universe in this first-ever gathering of the influential voices—past and present—that have shaped his side of the current (and raging) God/no-god debate. With Hitchens as your erudite and witty guide, you’ll be led through a wealth of philosophy, literature, and scientific inquiry, including generous portions of the words of Lucretius, Benedict de Spinoza, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Mark Twain, George Eliot, Bertrand Russell, Emma Goldman, H. L. Mencken, Albert Einstein, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, and many others, well-known and lesser known.

And they’re all set in context and commented upon as only Christopher Hitchens—political and literary journalist extraordinaire (Los Angeles Times)—can. Atheist? Believer? Uncertain? No matter: The Portable Atheist will speak to you and engage you every step of the way.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised as "a fascinating collection" and "required reading" by People, this book is noted for its comprehensive arguments and engaging style. The Sunday Mercury calls it the "closest thing to heaven a confirmed atheist is likely to find," while the San Diego Union Tribune applauds Hitchens’ role as a "Godless Warrior." Reviews highlight its value as thought-provoking material for believers, skeptics, and the curious alike, and its capacity to spark meaningful debate.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780306816086

Publisher: Hachette Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 November 2007

Country: United States

Imprint: Da Capo Press Inc

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 38.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 577g

Pages: 528

About the Author

Christopher Hitchens is a contributing editor to Vanity Fair. His numerous books include Letters to a Young Contrarian and Why Orwell Matters.

Also by Christopher Hitchens

View all
  • God is Not Great
    In God is Not Great, Christopher Hitchens embarks on a powerful and provocative journey, meticulously dissecting the world's major religious texts and traditions. This thought-provoking work highlights his passionate argument against organised religion, providing compelling reasons why humanity might fare better without it. With incisive wit and unrelenting logic, Hitchens critiques the moral and philosophical doctrines of religion, offering a...
    Paperback
    $3299
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Letters to a Young Contrarian
    In Letters to a Young Contrarian, Christopher Hitchens draws from his vast experience as a writer, journalist, and provocateur to craft a compelling guide to independent thinking and intellectual rebellion. Through a series of personal letters addressed to an imagined young disciple, Hitchens explores the essence of contrarianism, urging future generations to develop the courage to stand up against popular...
    Paperback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Hitch-22
    Over the last thirty years, Christopher Hitchens has established himself as one of the world's most influential public intellectuals. His originality, bravery, range, and wit made him first a leading iconoclast of the political left, and then later a formidable advocate of secular liberalism. As a socialist, he opposed the war in Vietnam. After September 11, he emerged as one...
    Paperback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Arguably
    Christopher Hitchens, an intellectual giant and one of the most provocative writers of our time, presents a rich tapestry of essays in Arguably. This volume spans an incredible four decades of Hitchens' career, showcasing his fearless and forthright nature, with no subject off limits. Readers will embark on a journey through Hitchens' early articles for the New Statesman, where he...
    Paperback
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Mortality
    The starting point of Mortality was when Christopher Hitchens discovered that he was being deported "from the country of the well across the stark frontier that marks off the land of malady". This poignant observation marks the beginning of his battle with esophageal cancer, a struggle he documents with unsparing honesty over the last year of his life. Throughout this...
    Paperback
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Thomas Jefferson
    Thomas Jefferson by Christopher Hitchens is an illuminating exploration of one of America's most enigmatic Founding Fathers. This biography delves into the life of Jefferson, a multifaceted individual who played a pivotal role in crafting a nation, yet frequently wrestled with his own contradictions. Hitchens meticulously paints a portrait of Jefferson as a man of immense intellect and vision, grappling...
    Paperback
    $4100
    Elsewhere:
    $4300
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Trial of Henry Kissinger
    The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens presents a compelling and meticulously researched examination of the controversial career of Henry Kissinger, one of the most influential and divisive figures in American foreign policy. Through a narrative that delves into the dark underbelly of international politics, Hitchens methodically builds his case against Kissinger, arguing that his policies and actions have...
    Paperback
    $3699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Parthenon Marbles
    Why the British Museum should hand back the Elgin Marbles The Parthenon Marbles (formerly known as the Elgin Marbles), designed and executed by Pheidias to adorn the Parthenon, are perhaps the greatest of all classical sculptures. In 1801, Lord Elgin, then ambassador to the Turkish government, had chunks of the frieze sawn off and shipped to England, where they were...
    Paperback
    $5999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Missionary Position
    In a frank expose of the Teresa cult, Hitchens details the nature and limits of one woman's mission to the world's poor. He probes the source of the heroic status bestowed upon an Albanian nun whose only declared wish is to serve God. He asks whether Mother Teresa's good works answer any higher purpose than the need of the world's...
    Paperback
    $3400
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Why Orwell Matters
    Hitchens presents a George Orwell fit for the 21st century. -Boston Globe. In this widely acclaimed biographical essay, Christopher Hitchens assesses the life, the achievements, and the myth of the great political writer and participant George Orwell. In true emulative and contrarian style, Hitchens is both admiring and aggressive, sympathetic yet critical, taking true measure of his subject as hero...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • A Hitch in Time
    Revisiting this selection of diaries and essay-reviews from the London Review of Books is restorative, an extended spa treatment that stretches tired brains and unkinks the usual habitual responses where Hitchens is concerned. - James Wolcott in his introduction Christopher Hitchens was a star writer wherever he wrote, and the same was true of the London Review of Books, to...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Thomas Paine's Rights of Man
    A "brief but potent" appreciation of one of the most influential and revolutionary works of political thought "mixing biography, criticism and philosophy" (Los Angeles Times). Christopher Hitchens, the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of God Is Not Great, has been called a Tom Paine for our times. In this addition to the Books that Changed the World Series, Hitchens vividly...
    Paperback
    $4900
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks

More from Religion & Spirituality

View all
  • New Release
    2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include: • 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open) • Spiral binding allows the pages to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Braiding Sweetgrass
    Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a graceful and illuminating study of the wisdom of the natural world, bringing together the knowledge of modern science with the teachings of Indigenous cultures. At its heart, the book explores the interconnectedness between humans and nature, offering profound insights on how this relationship can foster a deeper ecological consciousness. As a botanist...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The King Is Coming
    Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faith—the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • NIV, Holy Bible, Economy Edition, Paperback, Comfort Print
    Hope for your everyday life. The New International Version of the Bible is today’s most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible, featuring extra helps that are ideal for evangelism and an easy-to-read Comfort Print® typeface, is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word in bulk through their outreach events. Features include: The full text of the accurate,...
    Paperback
    $1000
    Backorder
    Ships late August
  • The Practice of Not Thinking
    Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Odyssey
    The epic final chapter to Stephen Fry's outstanding retellings of the Greek Myths. Troy has fallen. After 10 years of war, the Greeks make their way back to their own lands—but what homes now await them? Agamemnon must return to his wife Clytemnestra, who has been nursing her rage since he sacrificed their daughter to the gods for a favourable...
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    The Prosperous Heart
    Cameron is a veteran of the modern self-care movement — THE NEW YORK TIMES Discover the true meaning of prosperity and abundance in this uplifting and beneficial guide — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Create a sense of security and wealth in your life by applying Julia Cameron's bestselling Artist's Way techniques to the topic of prosperity. How do we keep a roof...
    Paperback
    $3799
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    2027 Moon Goddess Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    This full-colour, beautifully illustrated planner will teach you how to harness the energy and guidance of the moon, seasons, and sacred celebrations of 2027 so you can thrive throughout the year.As you're guided through the year, learn how to use crystals, essential oils, affirmations, and rituals to harness your inner goddess. You'll also discover how to live in harmony and...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2899
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Falling Upward, Revised and Updated
    An update to the bestselling Falling Upward from Franciscan Father Richard Rohr In the revised and updated edition of Falling Upward, Richard Rohr seeks to help readers come to terms with the two halves of life. In this book, Rohr teaches us that we cannot understand the meaning of "up" until we have fallen "down." More importantly, Rohr describes what...
    Hardback
    $4700
    Elsewhere:
    $5199
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • NIV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, Pink, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Bibles make great gifts! This leather-look NIV Gift and Award Bible is economically priced so you can share the life-changing Word of God with more people. Perfect for special events or acts of kindness, this gift Bible is arranged in two columns with the words of Jesus in red, along with a presentation page for gift-giving, maps, and other Bible...
    Paperback
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.