Hell's Angels by Hunter S. Thompson (1996, Paperback)

I love this book. It is incredibly insightful and exposes a facet of the human being most people fear or ignore, and rarely embrace. I bought this item because I've read the book before, and know from that that it is a must-have for any book collection. Hunter S. Thompson was a pioneer in journalism, to say the least, and should be read by generations to come. His style was dubbed "Gonzo", or off the beaten path. He sometimes wrote about writing the story instead of writing the story to which he was assigned. His take on society and politics as they were at the time of publication is unforgiving, and he pulls no punches like so many other journalists do. His allegiance was to himself, not his publisher(s). He spent a year or so with the Hell's Angels to write this book, and they stomped him for telling it like it was and not paying them what they considered to be their fair share. He was 'embedded' long before it was a popular term. I have grown to idolize Thompson for his bravura and command of the language, and look forward to reading his entire collection.
I also recommend reading Hell's Angel, by Ralph "Sonny" Barger, one of the first Hell's Angels. It is not nearly as good as HST's book, but it offers some perspective. Not all of the stories match up between the books, so it's left to the reader to determine what really happened.

I did not know what Gonzo journalism was when I inherited this book from a friend. The book has citations and references to support what was written in it. It was a great book, even it was embellished. The only other book from Thompson, I have read, is Fear and Loathing. I still keep wondering if I am missing out.

Great book. True journalism, but indicates where Hunter's career would lead. The "Gonzo" journalist is lurking just below the surface of these pages. A must read for any Dr. Hunter S. Thompson enthusiast. Completely enjoyed, earned a place in my library, definitely NOT selling this book. I have a feeling it will be read again.

I received my book in the mail today--very fast! Thank you for being so prompt & efficient. Would do business again!

Well, what's not to like, I mean he was a Colorado rez and he represented something we don't see often: the Genuine Article. He drank, could be a cantankerous so and so, (I read about him too) but he wrote hysterically and honestly and historically. While the Hells Angels allowed him "in", they eventually booted him out, musta said something to upset their fragile sensibilities, but I haven't gotten that far, my significant other says "a good but not great read". I decided to buy it because I read his work whenever I can. It's called "amusement" and sort of enlightening in a light reading kinda way! Hunter really should have run for governor or something, he was that politically astute. That is, if anyone in the State of CO would elect a rabble rouser with a real point...So far so good, Hunter is already along "for the ride" and there's been trouble early on in his journalistic approach to these normally uncooperative rebs; he is so far non judgmental but trying to be as impartial (and funny, don't forget that) as he can be for the sake of his audience. I don't skip to the end, that's cheating. Betcha anyone concerned with or even marginally intrigued by the original Angels will find some interestin factoids here, so again what's not to like. And afterall look who wrote it, come on, a bad ass writing about bad asses, does eBay allow that language, abt to find out. Enjoy this lying down and a bottle of yr favorite brew, peace.

I love all of his work, H.S.T. is my favorite author. What stands out in this book is it is a living biography, a trye story that almost is os intense you will think your reading a fiction novel..
The years he got in with them , lived the life, just to get the journalism is fantastic, a skill no author since has been able to capture the true essence the way he did..
This is the first , I feel book of GONZO JOURNALISM!!

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