As much as I have a deep affection for Hell's Angels and Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail, this particular book with the name Thompson on the cover might just be my absolute favorite.

These letters served as my loyal companions and a wellspring of inspiration during a summer of intense and frenetic traveling several years ago. I immersed myself in them in a quaint small town in Russia, within a friend's apartment in Kiev, and even while aboard a Greyhound bus journeying through the majestic Rockies.

Now, when I take the time to revisit these letters, they simply act as a powerful reminder. They urge me to travel far and wide, to write with passion and authenticity, and to live life to the fullest extent possible, all before the sands of time run out.

They are like precious treasures that have accompanied me on my adventures and continue to shape my perspective on life and all its possibilities.

This book is a remarkable compilation of old letters penned by Hunter Thompson, the quintessential loon and rebel, during his formative years.

It offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of an independent thinker like Thompson. His unique perspective and actions are truly captivating.

Moreover, his amusing and often idiosyncratic use of the English language is bound to elicit chuckles.

For anyone who has grappled with the challenges of art, creativity, and individuality in the face of the world's demands for security and acceptance, this book is a must-read.

In fact, it should be considered required reading for college freshmen. It has the potential to inspire and encourage them to embrace their own unique voices and perspectives as they embark on their educational journeys.

Overall, this collection of letters is a valuable and entertaining addition to any bookshelf.

It is truly interesting to explore Hunter's early life and his reaction to some of the significant events in his life from the perspective of letters. Instead of presenting it as a traditional article or story, the letters offer a more personal and intimate glimpse into his thoughts and emotions. Through these letters, we can witness his growth, his joys, and his sorrows. We can see how he coped with challenges and how he celebrated his achievements. The letters also allow us to understand the context in which these events took place and how they shaped his character. It is a unique and engaging way to learn about Hunter's life and gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the name.

There are extremely few books that I can truly claim have had a profound impact on my worldview. This particular one is indeed such a remarkable work. Hunter was truly exceptional when it came to presenting the truth, far surpassing his forays into quasi-fiction. However, bless his heart, he was always on a mission to find some cage to rattle, to stir things up and challenge the status quo.

Rest in Peace, my literary idol. You are deeply missed, for the shoes you leave behind are simply too large to fill. Your unique voice and unwavering spirit have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Your works will continue to inspire generations to come, as they explore the boundaries of truth and fiction, and strive to make their own mark in the world.

Although you are no longer with us, your legacy lives on, a testament to your talent and passion for writing. May your words continue to resonate with readers, and may your memory be cherished by all those who were fortunate enough to have discovered your works.

This is Hunter Thompson's raw and candid rise from a talented writer to a literary prodigy.

It is documented through his personal letters written from 1955 - 1967. We have the opportunity to accompany him on his early (and continuous) struggles.

He faced difficulties with money, constantly worried about meeting deadlines, and held onto his dreams of writing a fiction book.

These were the years before his breakthrough with the fiction-esque success of "Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas", which was released in 1971.

From these letters, we can see the evolution of his writing style and his determination to succeed in the highly competitive world of literature.

Despite the many obstacles in his path, Thompson persevered and eventually achieved great acclaim for his unique and influential works.

His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers everywhere, showing that with hard work, talent, and a never-give-up attitude, anything is possible.

Hunter S. Thompson is often regarded as a figure of decadence and depravity. My initial encounter with his world was through the film adaptation of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," which I watched in a rather altered state. After being awake for nearly 36 hours on a tiring bus trip from Georgia, I was too exhausted to direct my frustrations elsewhere. Perhaps, the only way to truly experience "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is in a state of extreme sleep deprivation.

Later, after delving into the book, as well as "The Rum Diary" and several of his old Rolling Stone articles, I managed to develop a grudging admiration for Thompson. "The Proud Highway" offers an epistolary account of his circuitous journey from Louisville, Kentucky to Haight-Ashbury. Along the way, we witness his legal troubles, his casual dismissal of various trends from the Beatniks to the Hippies, his questionable influences, and the brutal beating he endured from the Hell's Angels. It's understandable that a collection of letters may not form a seamless narrative, so criticizing it as "uneven" might be unjust. However, I found myself alternating between intense focus and disinterest while reading, as if selectively gathering the material at my convenience. Given that these are his early works, it's only natural that he hadn't yet reached the pinnacle of his writing abilities. Hence, I give it three stars.

In today's world, which is充斥着 charismatic iconoclasts who pretend they're not part of the showbiz while amassing wealth, Hunter S. was content to throw rocks from the safety of his own glittering glass house. (Just look at how he transformed "Fear and Loathing" into a brand.) The original Gonzo journalist brought a fresh perspective to the field, but as I read through the overly flattering introduction, I couldn't help but be skeptical of anyone who claims to "tell it like it is." This, perhaps, isn't entirely Thompson's fault but rather lies with the biographer. God only knows what Thompson would have made of the year 2017.

Journaling to myself is a truly wonderful and cathartic experience. It allows me to express my deepest thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a safe and private space. When I sit down with my journal, I feel a sense of calm and relaxation wash over me. I can write freely without the fear of judgment or criticism.

I start by writing about my day, the events that took place, and how they made me feel. I might also write about my dreams, goals, and aspirations. Sometimes, I use my journal to work through difficult emotions or problems. Writing them down helps me to clarify my thoughts and come up with solutions.

Journaling has become an important part of my daily routine. It helps me to stay connected with myself and my inner world. It also allows me to track my progress and growth over time. I highly recommend journaling to anyone who wants to improve their mental health and well-being.

I didn't truly have a liking for the first half of it, yet I took pleasure in the remainder.

It is rather interesting to listen to such a significant amount of the usage of the "n" word. Of course, it is extremely challenging to determine how it was being employed. Was it perhaps used ironically?

Language undergoes such substantial changes. It is truly very rewarding to read letters that were penned before an individual became famous and had to be cautious about what they said. This is not to imply that Thompson was renowned for that particular aspect.

The exploration of language in this context provides a fascinating glimpse into the past and how communication has evolved over time. It makes one wonder about the various interpretations and meanings that can be attributed to words depending on the era and the intentions of the speaker or writer.

Overall, this examination of language and its usage offers valuable insights and a unique perspective on the history of communication.

Great Insight into a Great Writer

I absolutely love these letters. They offer a remarkable opportunity to truly get into the mind (if such a thing is even feasible) of an extremely colorful writer. Thompson was involved with every newspaper and magazine, it seems. He was a prolific letter writer who had the foresight to save all of his correspondence. It's truly astonishing to think about how he managed to survive with minimal resources like money, shelter, food, and transportation. His letters are incredibly interesting to read. Given that he drinks so heavily and stays up all night writing, it's hard to fathom how he could be so lucid.
I highly recommend this book without any hesitation. You will not be disappointed. In fact, I only wish there were more volumes of his letters available. It's a fascinating peek into the life and mind of a truly unique individual.

Wonderful look into HST's life via his personal correspondences.

These personal correspondences offer a truly remarkable and in-depth perspective into the life of HST. They serve as a window through which we can catch a glimpse of his thoughts, emotions, and the events that shaped his world. From the mundane details of daily life to the more profound and significant moments, each letter provides a unique and valuable insight. By carefully examining these correspondences, we can piece together a more complete and nuanced understanding of HST as a person. It is as if we are given the opportunity to step into his shoes and experience his life along with him. The personal nature of these letters makes them all the more engaging and captivating, allowing us to form a deeper connection with HST and his story.

This might very well be my all-time favorite Hunter Thompson book. It is a compilation of letters (he meticulously saved carbons of every single thing he ever penned) from a young writer who was yet to establish himself, but was as cocksure and brash as one could be. As he embarked on carving a niche for himself as a journalist and novelist, he reached out to publishers, politicians, and friends alike.

It represents his most honest writing. Since all these letters were composed before his legend had outstripped his talent, one doesn't encounter the 'Gonzo' style of treatment or the lazy indignation that drove his later works. Instead, what emerges is a hungry and ambitious craftsman, bombarding his readers with a torrent of words in an attempt to impress, inspire, and intimidate.

Before the era of drugs and madness, fear and loathing, there was a simple Southern Gentleman, desperately striving to become the next Hemingway.

His letters offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a budding literary icon, showing his raw passion, his unwavering determination, and his unbridled confidence. It is a must-read for any fan of Hunter Thompson or anyone interested in the early days of a great writer's journey.

An extremely insightful exploration of Hunter Thompson's private life and ambition is presented through his letters. He had a genuine desire to become a great American novelist, on a par with the likes of Hemingway. This book, which spans from 1955 through 1967, offers a fascinating look at the transition to his unique Gonzo style. It shows how he would never be able to escape this distinct approach.

Thompson's letters provide a rare glimpse into his mind and his creative process. We can see the evolution of his ideas and the development of his writing style. The period covered in the book is a crucial one in Thompson's life, as he was finding his voice and establishing himself as a writer.

The influence of Gonzo on his work is evident, and it becomes clear that this style was not just a passing phase but a defining characteristic of his writing. Through his letters, we can understand the passion and determination that drove Thompson to pursue his dream of becoming a great novelist.