The Gonzo Papers #2

Generation of Swine: Tales of Shame and Degradation in the '80's

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From the bestselling author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the legendary Hunter S. Thompson's second volume of the "Gonzo Papers" is back. Generation of Swine collects hundreds of columns from the infamous journalist's 1980s tenure at the San Francisco Examiner.

Here, against a backdrop of late-night tattoo sessions and soldier-of-fortune trade shows, Dr. Thompson is at his apocalyptic best―covering emblematic events such as the 1987-88 presidential campaign, with Vice President George Bush, Sr., fighting for his life against Republican competitors like Alexander Haig, Pat Buchanan, and Pat Robertson; detailing the GOP's obsession with drugs and drug abuse; while at the same time capturing momentous social phenomena as they occurred, like the rise of cable, satellite TV, and CNN―24 hours of mainline news. Showcasing his inimitable talent for social and political analysis, Generation of Swine is vintage Thompson―eerily prescient, incisive, and enduring.

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100 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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Ah, if only he were here now.

We could have a lively discussion about Sarah Palin. Her unique style and controversial views always manage to spark intense debate.

And what about the "Bush Victory Tour"? It was a significant event that had a profound impact on the political landscape.

Bernie Madow, too, is a figure worthy of conversation. His ideas and influence have shaped the political discourse in many ways.

I truly miss him and the engaging conversations we used to have.

It's moments like these that make me realize how much I value his presence and his insights.

Hopefully, he'll be back soon, and we can pick up where we left off.

Until then, I'll continue to think about the topics we would have discussed and look forward to the day when we can talk again.

July 14,2025
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I thoroughly enjoyed the peruse through history.

It was an absolute delight, much like taking a FUN American History or Polysci class.

The experience was truly captivating and engaging.

Hunter, the subject of this historical exploration, was a truly deranged genius.

His unique perspective and actions added an element of intrigue and fascination.

I find myself loving him for that very reason.

However, I must admit that I gave it 4 stars because some of the political jargon was a bit over my head.

Nonetheless, it did not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment and learning experience.

The journey through history with Hunter was one that I will remember and cherish.

It has opened my eyes to new aspects of the past and has made me eager to learn more.

Overall, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it to others interested in history and the minds of extraordinary individuals.

July 14,2025
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Certainly, it is an entertaining read in the typical Hunter fashion. I happen to be a 90s child, so the political events of the 70s and 80s were, for the most part, beyond my comprehension. However, I would still highly recommend this if you are an avid Hunter S. Thompson (HST) fan. What makes it even more appealing is that each article is only 2 - 3 pages long. This concise length makes it a pretty easy and accessible read. You can quickly dip into the world of HST's unique perspective and writing style without having to invest a significant amount of time. It's a great way to get a taste of his work and perhaps discover something new about the political and cultural landscapes of those decades.

July 14,2025
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Personally, I have an intense love for this book.

The reason being that each "chapter" is merely 2.5 pages long. This makes it a perfect fit for my rather inconsistent reading schedule. On any given day, I might have anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to devote to reading.

Having all that wonderful HST content presented in such an easily digestible format is truly amazing. It's like a literary treat that I can enjoy in short bursts.

I would not suggest this book for those who are new to HST's work. However, if you have already read some of his other pieces or have had a firsthand experience of the 80s, then it is definitely worth checking out if you are in search of more HST goodness.

It offers a unique perspective and a different kind of reading experience that only HST can provide.

Overall, it's a great addition to any HST enthusiast's collection.
July 14,2025
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The fascinating aspect of this collection of Thompson articles lies in the remarkable frequency with which he inadvertently anticipates the future. "First as tragedy, then as farce." However, the farce in question pertains to a group of septuagenarians who were discredited crooks back in the late 1980s.

The general public in the United States has a memory as short as that of a goldfish. If one were to peruse this collection, it would become evident that the swine never departed; they simply aged, grew more malicious, and emitted an even more offensive stench. This generation of swine stubbornly refuses to fade away.

It is truly astonishing to observe how Thompson's words, written years ago, still hold a mirror up to the present state of affairs. His astute observations and caustic commentary continue to resonate, serving as a reminder of the enduring nature of certain vices and the cyclical nature of history.

July 14,2025
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Classic from my college days.

Back then, during my college years, it felt like a truly remarkable moment when I "discovered" Hunter in Rolling Stone.

I remember it vividly. I was flipping through the magazine, and there he was, his words and his style just jumping off the page.

I thought I was sooo cool. It was as if I had uncovered a hidden gem that not many others knew about.

Hunter's writing had this unique charm, this raw energy that spoke to me on a deep level.

It made me feel like I was part of something special, a secret club of those who truly understood his genius.

Looking back now, that moment of discovery was just the beginning of a long and wonderful journey into the world of Hunter's literature.

It opened my eyes to a new way of seeing and experiencing life, and it has had a lasting impact on me ever since.

July 14,2025
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I wasn't astonished to come across a plethora of political articles. However, upon reading a few of them, I felt a tinge of boredom.

Not having lived during that era and not being overly interested in politics in the slightest, there were numerous articles where I had absolutely no idea what the heck Hunter was babbling about.

But I don't hold that against him. It's not his fault that I know next to nothing about Reagan and Bush. Nevertheless, it did have a detrimental impact on the book as a whole.

My favorite articles were those that were likely complete nonsense or gave the impression that he was short on time and simply had to send some pages over, much like the very first article in the book.

I believe I could become engaged in his political discussions if they were presented in the form of a proper book. That's precisely why I still have hopes for Fear & Loathing on The Campaign Trail.
July 14,2025
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The renowned gonzo journalist delves into the ill-fated era of the 1980s in this compilation of articles on politics and culture. By this time, Thompson's life had become considerably more comfortable, and many of the articles showcase more luxurious surroundings compared to his earlier works. However, there is still an abundance of the strangeness and eccentric reportage that makes HST's writing so enjoyable to read.

Although he doesn't always accurately predict the future, he was remarkably perceptive during this disastrous decade that perhaps shaped the struggles of the modern era more than any other.

It should also be noted that Thompson had a penchant for embellishing his experiences to make them even more outrageous. Therefore, everything that isn't straightforward reporting of the news should be taken with a grain of salt, so to speak.

Content notes:

While HST can hardly be described as compassionate towards animals, when he reports on the bust of a dogfighting ring in the Western US, his disgust and outrage are palpable. By the late 1980s, this gruesome bloodsport had emerged from its backwater enclaves and become a lucrative enterprise for high-stakes gamblers. Reading this, one can't help but think that if lawmakers had taken action regarding the breeding of fighting dogs 30 years ago, we might not be facing the current animal welfare and public safety crisis surrounding this issue.

Yet, a few chapters later, Thompson proudly recounts a disturbing story of torturing a fox to death on his Colorado ranch. If this story is indeed true, HST has no moral high ground over those who torment dogs. A fox suffers just as much as a dog, and the abuse of one is no different from the abuse of the other.
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