To characterize Hunter S. Thompson as 'enigmatic' is probably an understatement, given what one finds in this collection of his early correspondence.

He was a technically-gifted writer, largely self-taught, and that skill shows in these letters. One can see the evolution of his writing style as he progresses from one stage of his career to another.

He was also an iconoclast whose rage always seems present. Sometimes it simmers below the surface, only to boil over onto the page in a passionate outburst.

Many people know Thompson from his best-known book, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. However, I have always preferred Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga. Several letters in this volume address the writing of that work in particular, providing insights into his创作 process.

Like when I read The Great Shark Hunt: Strange Tales from a Strange Time, through his letters I could see Thompson's voice developing over time. First as a sportswriter for his Air Force base newspaper, then as a freelancer covering political stories in South America, and finally breaking onto the American journalism scene.

But, throughout it all, the beast was always lurking. Thompson's unique brand of journalism, which he called 'gonzo,' was a reflection of his own wild and unpredictable nature. It was this quality that made him such a fascinating and influential figure.

I’m not one for a book of letters. I know that now. However, it was truly enjoyable to witness the transformation of a struggling journalist into a Gonzo madman through the influence of Acid, Weed, and Whiskey. The story unfolds in a captivating manner, as we see the protagonist's descent into a world of chaos and wild abandon. The use of these substances seems to have a profound impact on his mind and behavior, leading him to take risks and make decisions that he would never have considered before. It's a fascinating exploration of the human psyche and the power of drugs to alter one's perception and reality. Despite the rather unconventional and perhaps even controversial subject matter, the book manages to engage the reader and keep them hooked from beginning to end.

I have finally finished reading this remarkable saga, and I must say that I thoroughly relished every moment of it. It was not only highly entertaining but also utterly fascinating to delve into the account of a man who lived and worked as a journalist during the 1950s and 1960s. As I was reading, I would often take note of the various viewpoints that he expressed. However, it was essential to bear in mind that this was a white man writing his story in the 1950s, through his own narrative. The work was tinged with the harsh reality of the racial and economic inequalities that prevailed during those time periods, which made it both eye-opening and deeply reflective. Overall, I am extremely glad that I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the letters written by Mr. Thompson. It has provided me with a unique perspective on a bygone era and has left a lasting impression on me.

Love that the editors included not just one but all of his dumb, rambling, and no doubt unread letters to LBJ.

It is truly remarkable how the editors decided to showcase every single one of those letters. These letters, filled with his inane thoughts and meandering ideas, were likely never given the attention they perhaps deserved by LBJ.

By including all of them, the editors have provided a unique insight into the mind of the writer. We can now see the full extent of his ramblings and the perhaps desperate attempts to communicate with the president.

It also makes us wonder what might have been going through the writer's mind as he penned these letters. Was he hoping for a response? Or was he simply using the act of writing as a form of catharsis?

Whatever the case may be, the inclusion of these letters adds a fascinating layer to the overall narrative. It gives us a better understanding of the relationship between the writer and LBJ, and perhaps even a glimpse into the political and social climate of the time.

Overall, it is a wonderful addition to the collection and a testament to the editors' commitment to presenting a comprehensive and engaging story.

This is one of my favorite and most cherished books.

You don't get more honest writing from Hunter than his letters. When you read an entire book simply of letters they've written and you can't put it down, and you even make notes in the margins, you know someone is important.

You get to peek into Hunter's personal life and the struggles of his professional life. You can follow him from the non-existence of his career into the very beginning of his fame. He is an indescribable genius.

And I never understood him more than through reading his letters. I learned about myself through learning about Hunter, and I think that should probably scare me a little bit.

His letters offer a unique window into his world, filled with his thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It's like having a personal conversation with him, even though he's long gone.

Reading his letters has been a truly eye-opening and enlightening experience for me. It has made me appreciate his talent and creativity even more, and it has also made me reflect on my own life and the choices I've made.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Hunter S. Thompson or in reading honest and inspiring writing. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

I truly adored this collection of letters. The main reason being that I am already familiar with and have delved into more of his works than just "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas".

If one is seeking a series of mind-boggling letters penned by a wild, drug-addicted, and failed journalist, then this book might not be the right fit. However, if you have an interest in Thompson and wish to understand how he became who he was, then it is highly recommended that you read this before delving into any biography about him.

No one can express his journey as vividly and authentically as he does in his letters to friends, relatives, editors, and others.

This book is excellent, but it is not necessarily for the casual fan. It requires a certain level of dedication and curiosity to truly appreciate the depth and significance of Thompson's words and the insights they offer into his life and mind.

All three volumes are truly outstanding.

This particular volume delves into the early correspondence of a young author and his arduous struggle to make a living.

It is quite humorous as he chronicles the events happening around him in letters to his diverse group of friends and debtors.

He has a plethora of wild and entertaining stories. For instance, there is one where he relays the tale of getting his landlord arrested to his mother.

Reading this volume is an absolute delight.

It offers a unique glimpse into the life and mind of the young author during a crucial period of his development.

The vivid descriptions and engaging narratives make it a captivating read from start to finish.

Whether you are a fan of literature or simply enjoy a good story, this volume is sure to leave you entertained and satisfied.

I did get a view inside his head and it was truly an eye-opening experience. He not only shared his thoughts and ideas with me but also took the time to teach me how to properly write letters. This was something I had always struggled with, but with his guidance, I began to understand the importance of proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

He showed me how to organize my thoughts before putting pen to paper and how to make my writing more engaging and interesting. I was amazed at how much I learned in such a short amount of time. Thanks to him, I now have the confidence to write letters that are clear, concise, and effective.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have gotten a view inside his head and for the valuable lessons he taught me about writing. It has truly made a difference in my life and I will continue to use these skills for years to come.

This collection of Hunter S. Thompson's letters offers, perhaps, the best insight into his genius.

His letters, even at a young age, were literate, exotic, interesting and wildly amusing. They provide a unique window into his mind and the way he saw the world.

Thompson's writing style was distinct and captivating, filled with vivid descriptions, colorful language, and a sense of adventure. Through his letters, we can see his evolution as a writer and thinker, as well as his relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.

Whether he was writing about his travels, his political views, or his personal experiences, Thompson's letters always had a certain charm and authenticity. They are a testament to his creativity and his ability to communicate his ideas in a powerful and engaging way.

This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in Thompson's work or in the history of American literature. It offers a fascinating look at one of the most important and influential writers of the 20th century.

I checked out this book from the public library.

It was so captivating that I renewed it several times.

However, there were also several occasions when I failed to renew it.

I have a deep love for this book because it truly fleshes out the persona that Thompson crafted for himself.

As you read through the pages, you gradually get to see more of Hunter rather than just the fictional Raoul Duke.

It provides a unique insight into the real man behind the larger-than-life character.

The details and nuances in the book bring Hunter Thompson to life in a way that is both fascinating and engaging.

It's as if you are getting a closer look at his thoughts, his experiences, and his unique perspective on the world.

This book has become a favorite of mine, and I will always cherish the opportunity to have delved into the world of Hunter Thompson through its pages.

I rather enjoyed this book.

It is more in-depth than a typical biography, delving deeper into the essence of the man and revealing aspects that no fluff piece could ever capture.

The author's writing is truly brilliant. At times, it is funny, making me laugh out loud. Other times, it is sad, tugging at my heartstrings. And there are moments when it is even depressing, as it explores the darker sides of the subject's life.

Despite the range of emotions it evokes, the book is a captivating read from start to finish. It offers a unique perspective on the man and his experiences, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about him.

Overall, this book is a must-read for those who appreciate well-written and thought-provoking literature.

The original text seems a bit short and unclear. However, I'll do my best to rewrite and expand it based on what's provided.

The task at hand seemed overly long. It was a seemingly insurmountable challenge that I just could not seem to finish. Every attempt felt like I was swimming against a strong current, making little to no progress. The length of it was truly daunting, and I found myself constantly getting distracted or losing motivation. I would start with determination, but as time wore on, my focus would wane. It was as if the finish line was always just out of reach, taunting me. I knew I had to persevere, but it was so difficult when faced with such a long and arduous task.

If you can provide more context or clarify the original text, I can further improve the rewritten and expanded version.