It's long been obvious that there is nothing substantively "new" about the so-called "New Atheism." If you ask any of the critics of New Atheism just what it is about it that they find new and objectionable, they can't point to anything that can't be found with atheists, skeptics, and critics of religion in earlier ages. It's only the attention and popularity of New Atheism which is truly new, and this is precisely what its critics find so objectionable.
Atheistic criticism of religion was marginally acceptable when it was unknown. Now that its getting widespread attention and gaining serious traction, it has to be attacked. But which book, in your opinion, does the best job at getting attention and getting a good message out? They all get negative attention and there is no way for an atheist book today to not get negative attention. So, you have to focus on the positives.
Tough decision. Each one has their unique position, filling their own niche. One’s better to hand to theist friends, another focuses on science, a third on religion and politics.
I’ve read them all, and would re-read each one again readily.
None of the above. My favorite book is George H. Smith, the Case Against God, written back in 1974.
Of course, while I contributed to the poll, I must concede I haven’t read very many of those books. My reading list is soooo long.
No contest. Hitchens’ book wins hands down.
Although in fairness I have to confess I’ve only read four of them.
I’m not sure if they count as “new atheism,” but my own books “Natural Atheism” and “Atheism Advanced” actually have some original things to say that are not discussed as thoroughly, if at all, in these other more popular works.
while not til recently being considered a New Atheist, John Loftus has the BEST BOOKS (highly acclaimed) presenting a case for Atheism to college level readers. If either “Why I Became An Atheist” or “The Christian Delusion” were on this list, I would vote either one number 1!