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The Abolition of Britain

From Winston Churchill to Princess Diana

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The Abolition of Britain

By: Peter Hitchens
Narrated by: Peter Hitchens
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About this listen

Prominent English social critic Peter Hitchens writes of the period between the death of Winston Churchill and the funeral of Princess Diana, a time he believes has seen disastrous changes in English life. The Abolition of Britain is bitingly witty and fiercely argued, yet also filled with somber appreciation for what the idea of England has always meant to the West and to the world.

©2008 Peter Hitchens (P)2014 Audible Inc. Europe Great Britain Witty
All stars
Most relevant  
Right on the mark, and satisfyingly blunt. Very funny at times too, so a real joy.

Fabulously Grumpy

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Hitchens is eloquent and persuasive. It’s why I’m interested in what he has to say. He does not, however reflect my (or most probably the ‘average’ person’s views). From his one time alignment to the radical left he now seems to my ears to side with the most reactionary conservatism he probably would have once despised himself.

Yet opinions change. His has, he’s admitted it - and he’s entitled to do it. One of the benefits of living in a free society is the Socratic method, the dialectical. Put simply, its good to hear the other sides’ views. As Peter’s erudite brother once put it, even if you disagree with the other side in an argument, if both parties leave subtly and perhaps imperceptibly changed - if it is a good one.

One of the reasons this book is persuasive is it’s rootedness in political, cultural and literary history. Hitchens has the vantage when arguing from these points as he is not only well read and articulate, but his grasp of these traditions is almost certainly better than those he decries.

But decries he does, and you better get used to it if you’re settling in for this one. The ideological left wing canon of speech and thought so readily accepted in daily discourse is attacked, at length. Everything from accepting LBQT communities, support for the drug addicted, the liberation of sexuality and egalitarianism is torn down in this book as Hitchens asserts himself as a bastion of quite conservative Christian morality.

One of this things that most puzzles me here is his repeatedly asserted acceptance of a class structure, monarchy and aristocracy. Hitchens seems to believe in a way that surely must confound his younger self that these things are inherently good, and should command respect. Not so. He concludes with a panegyric to the democratic tradition of England. Yet surely these archaic institutions are the opposite of that, institutions that demand deference without the slightest requirement for competence. And one we are supposed to accept merely because they are our ‘betters?’ Unconvincing.

One thing I would love to ask him is how much he feels has changed is he wrote this book. The book seems to fear the United Kingdom falling into the European super state all the more - a reality which looks less and less likely (although is still arguable in all but name). He also predicts the permanent end of Tory rule, another failed prophecy although I suspect he would not labels the current incarnation of the conservatives as ‘true’ conservatives anyway.

A final word is about his performance. Stellar. His articulation, diction and expressivity are all first rate. You can hear his sneers leaping into your ears. It is a wonderful listen.

In conclusion, I doubt you will agree with him - I certainly didn’t - but it is still a worthy addition to your audible library. I would love to hear his opinions on what is next for the country. He may be wrong, but chances are good that we will learn something from it.

Well, if objectionably argued.

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