The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, 1955-1967 by hunter s. thompson

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Golly gee whiz, but this is truly wonderful.

I have a great fondness for collections of letters. And this particular collection serves as an outstanding showcase for HST's growth and development as a young writer.

It is especially fascinating when he is mimicking various styles such as those of Menken and Fitzgerald in his letters.

For fans of HST and students of writing style alike, this collection is an absolute must-read.

It offers a unique glimpse into the mind and creative process of a budding writer, and provides valuable insights and inspiration for those looking to improve their own writing skills.

Whether you are interested in the works of HST or simply have a passion for great writing, this collection is sure to delight and engage you.

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Hasegawa_Rei

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Better than the Gonzo papers, I truly love how personal these letters become. It's remarkable to see the depth of emotion and the intimate details that are shared within them. The best writing that Thomson has produced, in my opinion, is undoubtedly his letters. They offer a unique insight into his mind, his experiences, and his relationships. Each letter seems to be a window into a different aspect of his life, and it's fascinating to read through them and piece together the story. Whether it's his thoughts on a particular event, his feelings towards a loved one, or his musings on life in general, Thomson's letters are always engaging and thought-provoking. They have a charm and authenticity that is hard to find in other forms of writing. I can't get enough of them.

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hlcrimsoniris

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Hunter S. Thompson is a renowned figure in the world of literature. This collection of his letters spans from his early to late twenties, a crucial period before he achieved fame with his works such as the Hell's Angels book and the "Fear And Loathing" series.

It offers a captivating insight into the mind of a rebellious man who was determined to make a name for himself as an important writer of his generation. Through these letters, we can witness the evolution of his writing style into the now-iconic "gonzo" style.

In addition to the literary aspect, the collection also provides a wealth of information about Thompson's personal life. We learn about his love life, political views, and the strange and often wild adventures he embarked upon.

Overall, this book is a great addition to any literature lover's collection. It can be picked up and read once in a while, or simply skipped through to gain a better understanding of the man behind the words. Whether you are a fan of Thompson's work or simply interested in the life of a fascinating and complex individual, this collection of letters is sure to provide an engaging and entertaining read.

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Illuminating

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

A book filled with personal letters and correspondence?!? Why on earth would I have any desire to read something like this? Well, the answer is simple - because it was Hunter S. Thompson who wrote all of them. This man was, is, and always will be an incredibly crazy human being. At least, that's what I firmly believe. He was like no other, with his unique perspective and wild way of life.

But, one thing that cannot be denied is the excellence of his writing. It is always, always interesting, capable of making you laugh out loud, and at the same time, thought provoking. His words have a power that draws you in and keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

I will enjoy most anything that is written by this man, but I truly think that The Proud Highway is one of his absolute best works. It offers a fascinating glimpse into his mind and his world, and it is a must-read for any fan of his writing or anyone who is looking for something truly unique and engaging to read.

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IoanaXM

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

It is truly amazing to peruse the personal letters of a struggling, aspiring writer who, despite being down on his luck, persists in the fight to make his dream - and his hedonistic wanderlust - a reality.

Oh, Thompson! If only you could have known how highly regarded a writer you would one day be considered.

However, that knowledge would have deprived us of the truly humble musings that are so beautifully captured within the pages of this book.

These letters offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the mind and heart of a writer on the verge of greatness, yet still grappling with the uncertainties and challenges of life.

They serve as a reminder that even the most successful among us have faced setbacks and doubts along the way.

Thompson's determination and unwavering belief in himself shine through, inspiring us all to pursue our own dreams with equal passion and tenacity.

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catalysst

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

This piece is truly one of the finest works he has ever penned.

It is not only hilariously funny but also offers truly profound insights into the journey of a young, hardworking individual who manages to progress from a state of poverty to securing a real job within a span of 12 years.

It serves to illustrate that, despite all the griping and complaining I might do regarding the present state of job applications, things weren't necessarily all that better in Thompson's era, in their own unique way.

I highly recommend this to any budding writers out there. It has truly inspired me and set me on the path to working on my next story.

It has that certain charm and authenticity that can really resonate with readers and writers alike, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the trials and tribulations of the job search and the pursuit of a better life through hard work and determination.

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YanasakiH

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

I really enjoyed reading this piece.

It was particularly fascinating to go through his letters and correspondence from when he was a young man in the process of trying to discover himself.

It offered a unique and intimate perspective into his thoughts, dreams, and struggles during that formative period of his life.

In comparison, when I read the gonzo journalism that he later became famous for, it didn't have the same impact on me.

The gonzo style was wild and exciting, but it lacked the depth and personal touch that I found in his earlier writings.

Reading his letters made me feel like I was getting to know the real person behind the public persona, and it gave me a greater appreciation for his journey and the evolution of his writing.

Overall, I would highly recommend this collection of his early works to anyone interested in a more in-depth look at his life and career.

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JvLimaCa

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

I have a great affection for Hunter S. Thompson. However, this particular book doesn't flow in the same engaging manner as his novels. I was quite surprised to discover that it is actually a compilation of letters. Sadly, I'm not overly keen on perusing other people's written exchanges.

Regrettably, I find myself putting this book aside. The main reason is that it is simply TOO LONG, and it contains an excessive amount of random information. Paradoxically, this chaotic and meandering style is precisely the way Hunter would have preferred it.

Despite my initial anticipation, this book has failed to capture my interest in the way I had hoped. It serves as a reminder that even the works of a beloved author may not always meet our expectations. Nevertheless, I still hold Hunter S. Thompson in high regard for his other remarkable literary achievements.

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The Fear and Loathing Letters #1

The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, 1955-1967

hunter s. thompson william j. kennedy douglas brinkley

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