In 'Witness', Whittaker Chambers recounts his dramatic journey from Communist spy to fervent anti-Communist witness. His gripping narrative unveils the moral and ideological battles of the 20th century, framed by the infamous trial of Alger Hiss, whom he accused of espionage. Chambers' reflections on loyalty, betrayal, and the personal costs of political conviction challenge readers to explore the depths of their own beliefs. This profound memoir is not just a historical account; it is a haunting examination of the human spirit. Discover the secrets that can lead to redemption or ruin, and ponder the price of truth in a world rife with deception.
By Whittaker Chambers
Published: 2014
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
#1 New York Times bestseller for 13 consecutive weeks! "As long as humanity speaks of virtue and dreams of freedom, the life and writings of Whittaker Chambers will ennoble and inspire." - PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN "One of the dozen or so indispensable books of the century..." - GEORGE F. WILL "Witness changed my worldview, my philosophical perceptions, and, without exaggeration, my life." - ROBERT D. NOVAK, from his Foreward "Chambers has written one of the really significant American autobiographies. When some future Plutarch writes his American Live, he will find in Chambers penetrating and terrible insights into America in the early twentieth century." - ARTHUR SCHLESINGER JR. "Chambers had a gift for language....to call Chambers an activist or Witness a political event is to say Dostoevsky was a criminologist or Crime and Punishment a morality tract." - WASHINGTON POST "Chambers was not just the witness against Alger Hiss, but was also one of th articulators of the modern conservative philosophy, a philosophy that has something to do with restoring the spiritual values of politics." - SAM TANENHAUS, author of Whittaker Chambers "One of the few indispensable autobiographies ever written by an American - and one of the best written, too." - HILTON KRAMER, The New Criterion First published in 1952, Witness is the true story of Soviet spies in America and the trial that captivated a nation. Part literary effort, part philosophical treatise, this intriguing autobiography recounts the famous Alger Hiss case and reveals much more. Chambers' worldview and his belief that "man without mysticism is a monster" went on to help make political conservatism a national force. Regnery History's Cold War Classics edition is the most comprehensive version of Witness ever published, featuring forewords collected from all previous editions, including discussions from luminaries William F. Buckley Jr., Robert D. Novak, Milton Hindus, and Alfred S. Regnery.
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“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Witness
By Whittaker Chambers
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Whittaker Chambers (1901-1961) was an American writer, editor, and former communist spy who became a prominent anti-communist witness during the mid-20th century. His most notable work, 'Witness' (1952), is a compelling autobiography that details his conversion from communism to a passionate advocate for democracy and a critique of totalitarianism. Chambers' writing is characterized by its profound moral seriousness, eloquent prose, and deep psychological insight, reflecting his personal odyssey and the turbulent political landscape of his time. He also contributed to various publications and was influential in shaping the discourse around communism in America.
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