British author Hitchens undergoing chemotherapy

[July 01, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- British author Christopher Hitchens says he must undergo chemotherapy on his esophagus and has canceled some engagements.

The 61-year-old Hitchens, whose most recent book, "Hitch-22," is on Publishers Weekly's best-sellers list, posted a message on his publisher's website that he had been told by his doctor that he must undergo a course of chemotherapy. Hitchens expressed regret for having to cancel engagements on short notice.

His publisher issued a statement saying the author was being given his privacy during the treatments.

The author, essayist and columnist lives near DuPont Circle. He has written more than a dozen books and enjoyed surprising commercial success three years ago with "God Is Not Great," a direct attack on religion.

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[Associated Press]

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