Chambers, Whittaker   Whittaker Chambers 1901-1961  (Born Jay
Vivian Chambers) American memoirist, short story writer,
journalist, editor, and essayist.  The following entry provides
criticism on Chambers's works from 1951 through 1997.  Chambers
is remembered for his seminal role in the Alger Hiss case, which
is regarded as one of the most significant episodes in American
history during the mid-twentieth century. His controversial
testimony and anti-communist views are believed to have
contributed to the rise of anti-communist fervor during the Cold
War and to have greatly influenced the conservative movement in
the United States. Chambers recorded his role in this notorious
event in his memoir, Witness (1952), which is considered one of
the more notable political autobiographies of its time.
Biographical Information  Chambers was born in Philadelphia on
April 1, 1901. He attended Columbia University in the early
1920s and became interested in social and political issues. In
1925 he joined the Communist Par