I first picked up this book

BEFORE reading Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (but after I had actually seen the movie).

These letters are truly a treasure. They allow us to witness the development of one of America's most renowned and outrageous authors. From his early days in high school, through his time in the air force, to newspaper jobs, and finally his adventure out to San Francisco.

I read these letters a while ago, and they had a profound impact on me. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the humorous anecdotes, getting angry at the injustices described, vigorously agreeing with many of the sentiments expressed, and marveling at the intensity with which Hunter corresponded with all his friends, business associates, and even strangers.

It is truly a remarkable collection that offers a unique insight into the mind and life of Hunter S. Thompson.

The life of what is likely the most badass journalist is vividly presented and detailed in a series of letters penned by Hunter S Thompson.

These letters offer a fascinating glimpse into the extraordinary world and experiences of this remarkable individual.

Hunter S Thompson was known for his unique and unorthodox style of journalism, which was as bold and fearless as he was.

His words in these letters paint a picture of a life filled with adventure, controversy, and a never-ending pursuit of the truth.

Reading through these letters is like embarking on a wild ride through the mind and times of a true icon in the world of journalism.

It is a captivating and engaging read that leaves the reader with a newfound appreciation for the art of storytelling and the power of a journalist's pen.

The story told through these letters is not only super interesting but also a testament to the enduring legacy of Hunter S Thompson.

Wow! What an amazing ride that was. Hunter S. Thompson was truly a remarkable writer, especially when he was in a state of anger or frustration. His scathing letters, even those addressed to people he held in high regard, were my absolute favorites.

He had a unique style of writing where he would deliver three sharp jabs, and then unexpectedly sprinkle in a compliment or perhaps ask them for a job. But just as quickly, he would turn right back to the punches, continuing his passionate and often caustic tirades.

His mind seemed to roar with the same intensity as the wild and adventurous life he led. Fortunately for us, he had the foresight to put all of his thoughts and experiences down on paper. This way, his work will live on for generations to come, allowing us to continue to be inspired and amazed by his unique perspective and powerful writing.

I embarked on reading this book four or five years ago. I managed to get approximately a fifth of the way through it before setting it aside on the shelf. I suppose at that time, I was perhaps seeking the kind of drug-addled ranting that this book doesn't actually contain. However, when I recently picked up the book again with a more open and mature mindset, I discovered it to be an extremely good exploration into the man's character and the sometimes-dire (mostly self-inflicted) situations he encountered as a young man learning his trade.

The book is very well edited, with notes interspersed between the correspondences that provide details regarding the situations at hand and information about the characters involved.

I have read a couple of biographies about HST, but this one offers a much more in-depth understanding and a more complete picture not only of the man in question but also of the workings of the world of journalism and the general political state of the world at that time (which, depressingly, remains quite similar to the present).

For me, initially, the book felt a bit of a chore to read, but as it progresses, it constructs a compelling framework of HST's inner workings that is well worth the journey.

Track's Thompson's extensive correspondence, which spans from his early days in Louisville to his time in the military and his early career before his big break with the writing of "Hell's Angel's," provides remarkable insights into his brilliant mind and his outrageous approach to the world. This collection of letters offers a unique perspective on Thompson's development as a writer and a thinker. It allows readers to witness his evolution and understand the experiences that shaped his iconic style and views.

If you are a fan of Hunter Thompson and his work, this correspondence is an absolute must-read. It provides a deeper understanding of his creative process and the inspiration behind his most famous works. However, if you are not familiar with Thompson or his writing, this collection may be less compelling. Nevertheless, it still offers a fascinating look into the life and mind of one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

If you truly desire to comprehend what was required to bring Gonzo journalism into existence, then this book is a must-read. Hunter S. Thompson, widely known as a drug-crazed madman who bows to no one, had to commence his journey from somewhere. This book chronicles the tale of a man striving to establish himself as a writer and ultimately achieving success in cobbling together the beginnings of something truly beautiful.

Moreover, as an added bonus, this book also divulges a great deal about HST as a reader. It offers insights into the literary works that influenced him, the authors he admired, and the ideas that shaped his unique perspective. By delving into his reading habits, we can gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the madness and the creative process that led to the birth of Gonzo journalism.

Overall, this book is not only a fascinating account of Thompson's early years as a writer but also a valuable exploration of his literary tastes and the factors that contributed to his development as a journalist. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of journalism, the works of Hunter S. Thompson, or the creative process in general.

I was introduced to HST by one of my college professors. He answered my desperate email with the text of the letter to Hume Logan that appears in this book. This left me curious about whose advice I had received. So, I looked him up, became intrigued, and soon ordered this book of letters. Screw the fiction. I wanted to know who the man was or at least what he thought. And what I've found out seems to fit the bill, at least to my stunted imagination.

In a nutshell, it's fairly clear that HST suffered from a severe form of vanity. He saw himself as the smartest and toughest man to grace the planet. Throughout the book, his racist, misogynistic, and homophobic tendencies rear their ugly heads in a way that would be most distasteful today, though perhaps more commonplace in the 60s. And yet, I believe he was a good type of person, or at least good for his profession.

He was relentless in doing quality work and not sacrificing the truth for puff just because it might have been harder to obtain. He did the work. That was part of his persona. He was willing to go anywhere and do anything as long as it was worthwhile. I'm amazed at how long he managed while being broke. If I were him, I would have given up and taken a labor job long before chartering a smuggler boat out of Aruba with only $30 in my pocket. But that kind of determination to stick it out and succeed by any means possible is laudable. Although, I'm still wondering if he ever paid his grandma back for that first car he bought in New York. He walked a fine moral line and lived accordingly.

I admire his resiliency for as long as he had it. Who knows what happened in 2005? I wish some combination of Douglas Brinkley, Anita Thompson, and Johnny Depp would release the third collection of letters. It's a duty to his readers in my opinion. He agreed, while he was still alive, to have the first two volumes published. So, was it a change of heart before his death or are his inheritors just being greedy?
As I neared the end of the book, a question popped into my head: did he, or Douglas Brinkley, the editor, really go through every letter he had to choose a "best" selection? I ask this because it seems that as the book progresses, the correspondence pertains almost exclusively to his business dealings. There are few letters to his genuine friends or family. This made finishing the book a bit of a chore. And all the while I'm thinking, "How has Sandy withstood all this?"
But what I really appreciated about this book was the sense of experiencing that time in history. I found the 60s through his eyes to be fascinating and informative. I have a kind of amnesia about the decades leading up to my birth in the 90s. I feel like my history classes skipped from Nagasaki and raced through the following decades at warp speed before crash-landing at the foot of the World Trade Center. So, it was fun to get a first-hand perspective from what seems to me like one of the most ideologically revolutionary decades in history. I mean, come on. They had The Beatles, The Stones, Dylan, JFK, MLK Jr., civil rights, Vietnam, and so much more. This has all got me thinking about what I've been privileged to witness: Trump's presidency, COVID-19, the Astroworld Festival disaster, the George Floyd fallout, etc. I think HST would lose his mind. He was so much a part of the world and had such genuine reactions to it that it's no wonder he retreated to the mountains.

Wow

It is truly fascinating how people nowadays discuss historical events as if they were unfolding in real-time. This becomes even more interesting when the perspective is from HST. That individual dedicated a great deal of effort to crafting a novel and had a profound affection for "The Great Gatsby." It is really a pity that we are unable to explore Prince Jellyfish. Oh, the possibilities that could have been! It makes one wonder what other hidden gems and interesting stories might have emerged if circumstances were different. The world of literature and history is full of such mysteries and what-ifs, which continue to captivate our imagination and curiosity.

The Ace of Base is a Swedish pop group that has had a significant impact on the music industry.

Formed in 1987, the group consists of Ulf Ekberg, Jenny Berggren, Linn Berggren, and Jonas Berggren. Their unique sound combines elements of dance, pop, and eurodance, creating a style that is both catchy and energetic.

Some of their most popular hits include "The Sign," "All That She Wants," and "Don't Turn Around." These songs not only dominated the charts but also became anthems of the 1990s.

The Ace of Base's success can be attributed to their ability to create music that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Their lyrics are often relatable and their melodies are easy to sing along to.

Despite taking a hiatus in the early 2000s, the group has reunited and continues to tour and release new music. Their influence can still be heard in the work of many contemporary pop artists.

In conclusion, The Ace of Base is a talented and influential pop group that has left a lasting mark on the music industry.

It took me an eternity to complete this, but I relished every moment of it.

This is similar to a biography, yet it is told in the person's own words, written during the time they were experiencing it.

You also have the opportunity to observe the code switching, the variance in tone between letters to friends, mom, girlfriends, agents and publishers, businesses, and landlords.

The arc is a classic starving artist narrative, culminating in the big break.

Just like any work by Thompson, the writing provides a distinct perspective on history that gives the feeling of having a front row seat.

It allows you to step into the shoes of the author and experience their journey firsthand, through their own words and emotions.

The different tones in the letters add depth and authenticity to the story, making it a truly engaging read.

Overall, it is a captivating piece that offers a unique and valuable insight into the life of the artist.

If your time is tight, then ignore everything written here and go read the letter written by our writer for today.

https://fs.blog/2014/05/hunter-s-thom...

In this letter lies a treasure that you won't find in my flowery words and from which everything began.

This book started in 2019. At that time, I was a different person in a different continent, and the whole world was different (put some poetic words on your tongue for COVID). 2019 now seems to an observer like a year from a different time period because of what we don't wear

Jesus Harvey Christ, finally!

It felt like it took me an eternity to get through this. However, this is not so much of a complaint as it is an observation. Let's frame it like this: although it is a wonderful read - I can't even count how many times I laughed, or rather, guffawed out loud - it is a bit long-winded. Some of the letters seem a bit redundant, and perhaps the book could have benefited from a few deletions. But now, it's time to move on to the next volume. I'm curious to see what adventures and stories await me there. Maybe the next one will be even more engaging and entertaining. Who knows? Only time will tell.