One or five stars? HST had a profound and far-reaching influence on me. It wasn't just me; rather, his impact extended to the entire field of "Journalism." Thompson masterfully blurred the boundaries between news, fiction, imagination, and interpretation. This blurring had a significant impact on the personal aspect of journalism. And this blurring of boundaries still dominates today.

Unfortunately, he took his own life at the age of sixty-four (64).

Tragically, we can't turn back the clock. There will never be another Hunter Thompson. His unique style and approach to journalism were truly one-of-a-kind. His work continues to inspire generations of journalists, even though he is no longer with us. We can only hope to carry on his legacy and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of journalism.

God, I truly wonder what Hunter S would have made of the fucking apocalyptic hellscape that is US politics today.

The state of affairs in American politics seems to be in a state of utter chaos and turmoil. It's as if we are living in a dystopian nightmare where the normal rules of decency and rationality have been thrown out the window.

The constant bickering, the mudslinging, and the complete lack of cooperation between the different political parties have led to a situation where nothing seems to get done. The country is divided, and the future looks uncertain.

Hunter S Thompson was known for his unique and often scathing views on politics and society. His writing was a powerful indictment of the status quo, and he was not afraid to speak truth to power.

I can only imagine what he would have to say about the current state of US politics. Would he be appalled? Would he be愤怒? Or would he simply be amused by the absurdity of it all?

One thing is for sure, Hunter S would not have remained silent in the face of such a mess. He would have used his pen to expose the lies, the corruption, and the stupidity that is plaguing American politics today.

And perhaps, just perhaps, his words would have had the power to wake people up and inspire them to take action and demand change.

This book is, to a great extent, centered around the politics of the present era and Hunter's perspective on them.

It delves deep into the various aspects and intricacies of the political landscape, offering insights and interpretations that are both thought-provoking and engaging.

However, it must be noted that the reading experience would have been enhanced if I had possessed a greater level of knowledge regarding the Iran Contra affair and the politicians who were active during that time.

Understanding the historical context and the key players involved would have allowed me to better appreciate the significance and implications of the discussions presented in the book.

Nonetheless, even without this prior knowledge, the book still manages to provide a valuable and interesting exploration of the politics of the day.

It serves as a reminder of the complex and ever-changing nature of the political world and the importance of staying informed and engaged.

Overall, while my lack of knowledge in certain areas may have slightly detracted from my enjoyment of the book, it remains a worthwhile read for anyone interested in politics and current affairs.

The fascinating aspect of reading Hunter's essays lies in all the lost episodes of history and the awareness that as time passes, events that are of utmost importance for a brief moment simply disappear.

This collection primarily centers around the years 1984 through 1988 and the decline of Reganism. At the start of 1987, Reagan was a lame duck president, while Gart Hart was seen as the savior of Democracy. Meanwhile, Ollie North and George Bush the First seemed to be facing the prospect of spending 10-20 years behind bars.

Of course, the alarming conclusion is that in the end, the unethical ones prevailed. Ollie North was regarded as an American Hero, despite being responsible for providing weapons to the Iranians, which led to the deaths of dozens of American soldiers. George Bush became the heir to the throne, even though he was dirtier than Nixon. Gart Hart was ostracized, and Reagan is now considered the greatest president since FDR.

So close, yet so far. It's truly a thought-provoking exploration of a particular era in history.

Man Hunter S. Thompson had a great deal to express regarding Reagan and Bush. His views offer a captivating first-hand perspective on history at times. It's truly interesting to see his take on the political events and figures of that era. However, there are also moments when his accounts become incredibly repetitive. It seems as if he is hammering on the same points over and over again. This can make it a bit tiresome to read.

Overall, it's probably not an ideal read for just anyone. It's really more suited for those hardcore political history nerds who have a deep passion and thirst for knowledge about every little detail of that particular period. They are likely to be the ones who can truly appreciate and make sense of Thompson's often complex and sometimes overly repetitive writings on Reagan and Bush.

Political Read.

Today, while waiting for the rain to subside at the library, I read the whole damn book. He is truly one hell of a writer. His words have the power to engage and captivate the reader from the very first page.

Not everybody can be right about history. Indeed, everyone has their own unique perspective. Each person sees history through a different lens, influenced by their own experiences, beliefs, and values. This diversity of viewpoints is what makes the study of history so fascinating.

I do enjoy reading his thoughts though. His insights into historical events and figures are often thought-provoking and challenging. He forces me to question my own assumptions and consider alternative interpretations. It is through this process of critical thinking that we can gain a deeper understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.

What a truly great read this is!

HST's writing is a remarkable blend of being simultaneously deadly serious and yet obviously ironic. It has this captivating quality that makes it a real page turner, even for someone like me who wasn't even alive during the times he writes about and barely knew a lot of the people he discussed in this book.

The way he presents his ideas and stories is both engaging and thought-provoking. His use of language and the unique tone he employs draw the reader in and keep them hooked from start to finish. It's as if he is able to transport you into his world, regardless of your own personal experiences or lack thereof.

Despite the fact that the subject matter may seem distant or unfamiliar, HST's writing has a universality that makes it accessible and relevant to a wide range of readers. It's a testament to his skill as a writer that he can make such an impact with his words.

This book is not just a collection of stories or a historical account; it's a work of art that challenges and inspires the reader. It makes you think about the world we live in and the people who have come before us. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates good writing and wants to explore different perspectives.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read. It's a true gem that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Hunter S. Thompson will always be one of my all-time favorite king-hell madman writers. However, Generation of Swine is not his best work. I have never conducted any systematic study of his writing, but it is my impression that his writing quality declined significantly around 1980. Drugs ultimately take their toll, even on a professional user like HST.

That being said, he still manages to produce some great lines and passages. For example, "The heavy hand of The Law has caught up with almost everybody, and even the innocent are plagued by lawyers and health inspectors." This line captures the essence of the legal and regulatory environment that many people face in modern society.

Despite the decline in his writing, Hunter S. Thompson's work remains an important part of American literature. His unique style and perspective have influenced countless other writers and continue to inspire new generations of readers.

Reading Thompson's thoughts on Iran-Contra and the 88 election in the immediate aftermath of the 2020 election is truly a nauseating experience. It's as if time is a flat circle, repeating itself in eerie ways. The events and the players may seem different on the surface, but the underlying patterns and dynamics are disturbingly similar. Even the names haven't changed much, which only adds to the sense of deja vu. It makes one wonder if we are doomed to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Are we so blind to history that we can't learn from it? The implications of these parallels are profound and should give us all pause. We need to break free from this cycle and find a better way forward.

This, in my opinion, is HST's second greatest work after F&L: On the Campaign Trail '72.

It is truly a pity to know HST solely by his early work. He was not just a novelist but a far superior journalist.

His unique gonzo perspective offers a fascinating and vivid look into the late 80's. By finding and reading this work, one can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of that era.

HST's writing style is bold, unorthodox, and full of energy, which makes his works a joy to read.

Whether you are a fan of journalism or simply interested in learning more about history, this work is definitely worth your time and attention.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the world through HST's eyes and discover the hidden gems of the late 80's.

I'm not entirely certain that I would proclaim this to be Thompson at the absolute zenith of his abilities. However, if you have an affinity for his idiosyncratic style, it is abundantly present here.

The book is replete with numerous excellent illustrations of his writing in the short essay format. I selected it because I was in search of something captivating and effortlessly readable, what I would term as "literary popcorn" in my mind. His prose is incendiary, peculiar, and astute, as he lambastes the American political figures of that era with outlandish imaginings of violence and public humiliation.

Here, Thompson is penning his thoughts during the time of the Iran-Contra scandal. This serves as a splendid topic for his essays: his writing flourishes when ignited by moral and political indignation, and Iran-Contra seemed to be the next Watergate. It is fascinating to observe the scandal unfold and then wane through his perspective.

Thompson was enamored with politics for the same reasons he was with sports: a fixation on winners and losers, dissecting their maneuvers, predicting the outcome (and placing bets). Consequently, it is intriguing to see how frequently he misjudged in these essays. I suspect that he wasn't always providing a strictly journalistic account as much as attempting to sway the course of these events with his platform.

Overall, it was an engaging snapshot of mid-Eighties Americana.

While this collection is rather uneven, and in my humble opinion, it has been poorly edited. Nevertheless, there is still a sufficient amount of good material within it to justify a scavenger hunt through the mediocre parts. It appears that a significant portion of what is included in the book has been culled from old columns of the San Francisco Examiner. Given the nature of the task, it is extremely challenging for a writer to hit a home run every single time they are at bat. This work serves as a good chronicle of the 80's political scene. It also serves as a reminder that despite all the rose-colored remembrances, the Reagan era was our first experience of being governed by a two-bit, washed-up celebrity, under the guidance of religious fanatics, Wall Street greed heads, and crazed GI Joes. Well, Hunter, it's truly a pity that you're not around for this ride. Perhaps it might have been even too wild for you.