Christopher Hitchens was on a book tour for his memoir Hitch-22 when he discovered he had cancer of the esophagus, an episode described with characteristic wit and candor in a series of articles he wrote for Vanity Fair. In these essays, for which Hitchens was given the National Magazine Award, he describes his struggle not only with the disease but with its meaning to his friends and supporters, as well as his critics and detractors. "Both elegant and moving, these columns display insight and bravery," wrote the National Magazine Award judges. "Christopher Hitchens is the best writer in the worst of times, and we are grateful for him."