And nothing has changed;

the political corruption only became more refined since the late 60's/early 70's. The "Nixon Formula" never dissipated, but instead became the playbook for the high-end crooks we see plastered in modern day MSM. It is now being used by both ends of the political spectrum.

However, the Dark Ages, both now and then, have an uncanny ability to give birth to some interesting counterculture characters. These individuals are armed with a twisted sense of humour and a penetrating eye of unshakable perception. They are able to keep both feet firmly planted on the earth while fixing their gaze right in the eye of The Beast and standing their ground.

"My way of joking is to tell the truth. That's the funniest joke in the world."

-Muhammed Ali

This quote by Muhammed Ali seems to capture the essence of the counterculture characters. They use humour as a weapon to expose the truth and challenge the status quo. In a world where political corruption and lies are rampant, these individuals offer a refreshing perspective. They are not afraid to speak their minds and take a stand, even in the face of adversity. Their unique sense of humour and unwavering perception make them a force to be reckoned with.

Loved the best of it. It was even better than I had expected. It gave me a much deeper insight into HST the person rather than just the myth. He was a great talent and he knew it!

My only issue with the book is related to my birthdate. So many of the political players he writes about belong to a different generation than when I became politically aware. The writing is strong, but I just wasn't engaged by the details.

I definitely recommend "The Great Shark Hunt", but don't be afraid to skim. There's no need to feel guilty. There is so much to love about this book, and you should love it! It offers a unique perspective on HST and his world, and although some parts may not resonate with everyone due to generational differences, there are still many gems to discover and enjoy. So, pick up the book, give it a read, and see what you can take away from it.

Filled with stories about politics and sports,

I really should not have liked this book.

After all, I am not a fan of either sports or politics.

However, somehow it was still interesting to me.

Maybe it's because of the unique stream of consciousness style of writing that the author employs.

It allows the reader to really get inside the mind of the characters and experience their thoughts and emotions in a very immediate way.

Or perhaps it's the absurd drug-induced mania that is often described, which adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the story.

Anyway, regardless of the reason, I will likely seek out the next couple of books in the series.

I'm curious to see where the author will take the story next and how the characters will develop.

Even though the subject matter may not be my usual cup of tea, the writing style and the engaging plot have definitely won me over.

Hunter S. Thompson was a remarkable writer, and this collection showcases his best work that truly stands on its own. It features excerpts from his longer masterpieces such as "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail" and "The Hell's Angels," as well as reprints of some of his incredible essays.

Thompson's perspective on the world was a unique blend of moral outrage, amazement, and sardonic humor. His eloquence and unwavering integrity made each essay a precious gem. Despite his reputation, it might seem odd to associate integrity with him, but he always wrote about life exactly as he witnessed it.

From uncovering the worst of humanity in essays like "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved" and "Strange Rumblings in Azatlan" to providing a hilarious account of following Jimmy Carter and his Secret Service agents, and the mournful recounting of his friend Oscar Acosta's disappearance in "The Banshee Screams for Buffalo Meat," Thompson never shied away from the truth.

He had a policy of going for the extremes, seizing the high, bright edges of reality in every experience and disregarding the margins. This was his way of articulating the truth as he saw it. No word was off-limits, and no person was beyond reproach if they were part of the story. As a result, his writing offended many of the so-called "right people," while the rest were offended by his very existence.

Sadly, since Thompson's passing, the world may seem to hold less potential. However, it is only because his words had already enriched it during his lifetime. "The Great Shark Hunt," another outstanding essay, is a treasure trove of his literary riches. So, enjoy this collection and immerse yourself in the unique world of Hunter S. Thompson.

Loved this book!

But in the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit that I loved everything this iconoclastic, violent, and yes, individualist writer ever put on paper. His work is truly one-of-a-kind.

For those of you who are thinking about buying this book, and if you've been unfortunate enough to have led an entire life so far without ever having owned any of this psychopath's work and this will be your very first H.S.T. book, then I say DO IT! DO IT!!!! DO IT!!!! PLEASE!!!!

One of my all-time favorite short stories by Thompson is in this book, and it's titled The Great Shark Hunt. Ralph Steadman makes an appearance, and OMG, it's so funny that I literally laughed aloud just thinking about it.

And for all the compulsive texters out there who are ruining our communication with their laziness and complete disdain for the English language and grammatical considerations, I just wanted to point out that I laughed out loud, not lol'd.

But seriously, that story was hilarious. Trust me, there's tons of other knowledge lurking thirstily between those two covers as well. You can never read too much Thompson.

The Doctor of Journalism and Gonzo Genius, Hunter S. Thompson, is an absolute force to be reckoned with.

When it comes to dissecting the highwire times of politics in the 1960s and 1970s, his words are as sharp as a samurai sword. His unique humor and style have had a revolutionary impact on the art of writing in the 20th century.

Even today, Thompson's views on certain issues in the world of power and greed remain highly relevant. His works are a joy to read, offering a fresh and unfiltered perspective on the complex and often chaotic world we live in.

Whether you're a fan of journalism, politics, or simply great writing, Hunter S. Thompson's contributions are not to be missed. His legacy continues to inspire generations of writers and thinkers, and his words will no doubt be studied and celebrated for years to come.

I truly adored a great deal of the content in here.

Particularly, the Super Bowl piece was fascinating, as was the Oscar Zeta Acosta piece and the Muhammad Ali piece.

However, for some reason, this collection doesn't quite come together as a unified whole as well as it could.

And perhaps that's the way it's supposed to be. Maybe it's my own judgment that's off, which is entirely possible.

In fact, considering the wide range of topics covered in here, it's even likely.

But regardless of all that, it's still Hunter, and that alone makes it worth reading.

His unique perspective and writing style always manage to draw the reader in and keep them engaged, no matter what the subject matter may be.

So even if the overall coherence of this collection isn't perfect, it still offers many valuable insights and entertaining reads.

Damn good book!

It's kind of the book that got me back into reading during uni and hopefully has done so once again.

Thompson's writing style is an absolute joy to read. The sheer breadth of topics he covers ensures that it rarely gets dull.

From incisive commentary on things like de facto segregation in post-segregation laws Louisville, police brutality, and the trials of the Chicano seven, to wild drug-fueled escapades that expose the putrid underbelly of the American dream, this book is a big barrel of entertainment.

Some elements of his writing have aged quite significantly, with some rather casual use of slurs and such. However, overall, the content has held up very well.

I thought I might have had more to say, but generally, this book just hits hard. It's a captivating read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Thompson's unique perspective and vivid storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of American society and culture.

Despite its flaws, it remains a classic work that continues to resonate with readers today.

If you're in search of schizophrenic, manic-crazed, drug-addled writing that manages to punch a hole right through reality and all of its components, then there's no need to look any further than this remarkable collection of Gonzo literature. The man behind it all provides frightfully entertaining content. He chaotically delves into the analysis of the state of American politics, making his intense hatred for Nixon known with great regularity, almost every three pages. He attacks with vigor and then retreats right back to the Grand Woody Creek in the Skies, leaving behind a Gonzo-shaped crater in the world of modern journalism.

It's truly a great text. It's not only a lot of fun to read but also offers the opportunity to learn a couple of things. It's a unique and engaging piece of work that stands out in the literary landscape.

Hunter S. Thompson's works offer a unique and captivating perspective on the 60's and 70's.

From the excitement and glamour of the Kentucky Derby to the political turmoil of Nixon and Watergate, Thompson's writing delves deep into the heart of these events.

He also explores the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas, the drug culture that permeated society, and the complex political situation in South America.

His vivid descriptions and incisive analysis bring these times to life, allowing readers to experience the highs and lows, the hopes and disappointments of a generation.

Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in a good read, Hunter S. Thompson's works are sure to provide you with a fascinating and unforgettable look at the 60's and 70's.

Here is the rewritten and expanded article:

A list of my favorite articles awaits you if you don't have the inclination to read the entire thing.

"Fear and Loathing at the Super Bowl" takes you on a wild ride through the chaos and excitement of the big game.

"Strange Rumblings in Aztlan" explores the mysteries and oddities in a particular place.

"The ‘Hashbury’ is the Capitol of the Hippies" delves into the world of the hippie movement.

"Jimmy Carter and the Great Leap of Faith" examines the relationship between the president and a significant concept.

"The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved" offers a unique perspective on the famous horse race.

"The Temptations of Jean-Claude Killy" looks at the allures and challenges faced by a particular individual.

"Freak Power in the Rockies" discovers the power and influence of the unusual in the Rocky Mountains.

"A Footloose American in a Smugglers’ Den" follows the adventures of an American in a dangerous and illegal place.

"The Great Shark Hunt" is an exciting exploration of the hunt for these magnificent creatures.

"Last Tango in Vegas: Fear and Loathing in the Near Room" and "Last Tango in Vegas: Fear and Loathing in the Far Room" both offer captivating glimpses into the strange and wild world of Las Vegas.

However, it should be noted that the Nixon stuff is probably not of great interest to most people.

Having finally completed the 615-page behemoth known as The Great Shark Hunt, I have reaped a great deal from it. It provided fascinating glimpses into the world of HST, who led such an extraordinary lifestyle. Scattered throughout the book are accounts of his absurd and surreal adventures, which make for an engaging read. As a result of sensing the passion and respect HST had for his work, despite the chaos and debauchery that pervaded his life, I have developed a greater respect for journalism and the quality of writing in general. The majority of the collected works are dense pieces that document HST's journey during the Nixon/McGovern election campaigns. I found these to be a somewhat dull read, yet they were informative nonetheless. All in all, The Great Shark Hunt is a window into the world of a surreal legend living a surreal life.

Moreover, the book not only offers a peek into HST's personal experiences but also sheds light on the political and social climate of the time. His unique perspective and writing style bring these events to life in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The vivid descriptions and colorful language used by HST add an extra layer of depth to the stories, making them truly unforgettable. Whether you are a fan of journalism, literature, or simply looking for an interesting read, The Great Shark Hunt is definitely worth checking out.

In conclusion, this book has been a rewarding experience for me. It has broadened my understanding of HST and his work, and has also inspired me to strive for greater excellence in my own writing. I would highly recommend The Great Shark Hunt to anyone who is interested in exploring the mind of a true icon and experiencing the excitement and chaos of his life.