This is an incredibly thick (661-page) collection of letters by HST. It presents the author in a manner that is completely different from the Fear and Loathing persona that most people are familiar with.

The depth that is portrayed within his letters is truly remarkable. It makes one desire to lead a life that is at least half as fulfilling as HST's and to be able to capture even a quarter of this extensive body of work in the form of letters to friends over the years.

I have to admit that I truly loved this book when I was 16. At that time, my parents must have thought I was a bit strange or weird for being so engrossed in this particular collection of letters.

Perhaps it was the unique perspective and the raw emotions that HST conveyed through his words that appealed to me. It was like getting a peek into his private world and understanding the man behind the famous persona.

This book has left a lasting impression on me, and I continue to be fascinated by HST's writing and his ability to express himself so vividly in his letters.

This was kind of interesting,

especially if you want to get a more personal look at this madman.

Lots of the letters are pretty trivial though.

One point I found interesting is that he used the word "orgy" repeatedly in his letters to describe what I assume to be what we referred to as a "party" in college.

This shows a rather unique perspective or perhaps a warped sense of description.

In addition to this, he apparently made carbon copies of all his letters from day one.

He seemed to have the foresight that at some point someone would want to publish an 8lb bound manuscript of all his letters.

Was this pure genius?

It's hard to say. Maybe he just had an inkling that his words would hold some sort of significance in the future.

Or perhaps he was just being overly cautious and meticulous.

Either way, it adds an element of mystery and intrigue to his story.

Rivetting.

Here is an amazing collection of letters that were written with searing openness by a man who was in total rebellion against his times. This was during the 1950s to the late 1960s in Kennedy's and then Lyndon B Johnson's America.

It is not only a fascinating historical document but also contains a lot of material about Latin America at that time. There are hints of what it has become today.

Moreover, there is intelligent and thoughtful commentary on the profession of journalism.

These letters offer a unique perspective on a bygone era, allowing readers to gain insights into the social, political, and cultural climate of that time.

They also provide a glimpse into the mind of a man who was敢于挑战传统 and speak his truth.

Overall, this collection of letters is a must-read for anyone interested in history, journalism, or Latin America.

A Fascinating Glimpse into Thompson's Early Career

This exploration offers a captivating look into the early days of Thompson's career. It provides a clear and detailed view into the behind-the-scenes life that he led during that time. The letters he wrote during this period are truly a remarkable read. In fact, they are so much better than "The Rum Diary" that it is almost difficult to fathom that they were composed simultaneously.

The letters offer a more intimate and unfiltered perspective on Thompson's thoughts, experiences, and the events that shaped his early career. They give us a sense of the person he was becoming and the challenges he was facing. Through these letters, we can see the evolution of his writing style and his unique voice emerging.

Overall, this examination of Thompson's early career through his letters is a must-read for any fan of his work. It provides a deeper understanding of his journey and the inspiration behind some of his most iconic pieces.

Hunter had an extraordinary life.

He dreamed of having a writing job, but he was fired ten times in a row. Then, he and his wife and child lived in poverty for ten years while he followed his dream.

He became famous for putting himself in the center of a true story about the Hells Angels, where he was almost beaten to death.

This hilarious book offers a behind-the-scenes look through his own letters. Amazingly, before photocopying existed, Hunter kept copies of over 10,000 letters he wrote because he believed he would be famous one day and wanted to publish a book of his letters.

This is that book, and the letters are unashamedly honest. They cover everything from getting fired for attacking a vending machine to skipping out on rent multiple times on unsuspecting landlords, all in the name of pursuing his dream of writing for a living.

The book is often hilarious and always shows Hunter's genius. I highly recommend it. Just give it a few chapters to really get going, especially the parts about his college and Air Force years.

This book serves as conclusive evidence that HST was the quintessential Method writer. He remained in character at all times, even when penning letters. For a significant number of these letters, he was his wild and unorthodox gonzo self, writing and expounding in a manner remarkably similar to that of his books and journalism pieces.

There is no revolutionary territory explored here. However, fans are certain to adore it. Particularly engaging are his letters to William Kennedy, Bill Seomin, and Charles Kuralt. He rants about the counter-culture, the writing industry, relationships, the political climate, Vietnam, and so forth. Those who are not HST enthusiasts will likely not be swayed here, save for the fact that there are a few more glimpses of his humanity. He shows respect for his mother and endeavors to be a responsible older brother to his younger siblings. Much of the book details his struggles to make a living as a budding writer. The book commences with his high school days and concludes shortly after the publication of Hells Angels.

One aspect that struck me, which I had not noticed in his books, was his deep immersion in the craft of writing. I had always assumed he was a bit of a scattershot, writing in a frenzied stream-of-consciousness style (which is still accurate). I was captivated by his acid carnival imagery, his dark humor, and his ability to see through the façade of everything. Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail was one of the greatest political books of all time. But when it comes to the art of writing itself, his writing is painstakingly meticulous. Sentences, sentence structure, punctuation, and so on. Some of his more outlandish tirades may not hold up, but for the most part, HST was an extremely talented writer.

If you are an HST aficionado, this book is for you. If you relish delving into the minds of creative individuals, this is also for you. For anyone else, you may well want to look elsewhere.

This was my introduction to Hunter S. Thompson. If you aren't familiar with him already, this is a great place to begin.

It is a collection of his correspondence from 1955 to 1967, which covers his young adulthood. Through this book, I truly felt that I gained an understanding of who Thompson was. He remained a realistic and likeable person throughout this era, before he became really extreme.

Don't misunderstand me. I also love the writing of the Fear and Loathing-era Thompson. However, this is a fun little "portrait of the artist as a young man," so to speak. It offers a unique perspective on his early life and development as a writer. It's interesting to see how he evolved and how his ideas and writing style changed over time. This collection of letters provides a valuable insight into the mind of one of the most influential and controversial writers of the 20th century.

Let's be real:

I am approximately 20 pages away from achieving total domination over this beast. However, it is located in PGH and I initiated this journey way back in 2011. So, here's the deal:

I'm calling it quits. This isn't because I don't have a deep and visceral love for this book. In fact, I find myself revisiting it constantly! It holds a significant place as one of the major influences on my early adventures. Every time I open it back up, it has this amazing ability to reinvigorate me.

What a remarkable and charming gentleman HST is. Never before has a collection of writings made me feel so comfortable and affectionate towards an outwardly snarky and grizzly man. His words have a unique power that draws me in and makes me appreciate his perspective. Despite the challenges I've faced in getting through these last 20 pages, I know that this book will always hold a special place in my heart.

You can feel HST getting sadder and more angry.

It's as if a storm is brewing within him. The emotions are palpable, almost tangible. His eyes seem to hold a deeper shade of melancholy, and the furrow in his brow indicates the growing anger.

Maybe it's due to the recent events that have unfolded, or perhaps it's the cumulative effect of all the stress and pressure he has been under.

Whatever the reason, it's clear that HST is in a turmoil of emotions.

You can sense the sadness seeping out of him like a slow leak, and the anger is building up like a volcano ready to erupt.

It's a concerning sight, and one can only wonder what will happen next as HST struggles to come to terms with his inner turmoil.

Hunter S. Thompson's letters span from his early days in the Military, through his time in the Caribbean and far beyond.

This compilation serves as a remarkable reflection of Thompson's early life. It allows readers to observe the profound influence that the authors he was reading at any particular moment had on his own writing.

If you are a passionate lover of HST, then this book is an absolute must-have. Although it is quite long, it makes for a wonderful bathroom book. You can simply pick it up and read a few letters at a time, savoring the unique insights and perspectives that Thompson offers.

Each letter provides a fascinating glimpse into his world, his thoughts, and his experiences, making this collection a truly captivating read for fans and enthusiasts alike.

The Edge... It is an enigma that defies honest explanation.

Only those who have taken the plunge and gone over truly know its whereabouts.

The others, the living, are those who have pushed the boundaries of their control to the limits they believed they could handle.

And when faced with the crucial choice between Now and Later, they either pulled back, slowed down, or did whatever was necessary.

This concept of the Edge represents a threshold, a point where one's courage and determination are put to the test.

It is a place that both intrigues and terrifies, for it holds the potential for great rewards and risks.

Some may choose to stay safe on this side of the Edge, content with the known and the familiar.

Others, however, are drawn to its allure, willing to take the leap and embrace the unknown.

But regardless of which path one chooses, the Edge remains an ever-present force, challenging us to question our limits and explore the possibilities that lie beyond.

I just re-read this for maybe the fourth or fifth time.

I have an absolute passion for Thompson's books and articles. However, it is perhaps in his letters that he truly shines.

These letters showcase the evolution of one of the most brilliant minds in American literature.

This collection concludes before the emergence of Gonzo, and contrary to what many might anticipate, there isn't an abundance of politics.

Instead, it presents a frustrated young man grappling with the task of understanding himself and his surroundings.

Thompson's letters offer a unique glimpse into his inner world, allowing readers to witness his growth and struggles.

They provide valuable insights into the mind of a literary genius and the forces that shaped his work.

Whether you're a fan of Thompson's writing or simply interested in American literature, this collection of letters is a must-read.

It offers a fascinating perspective on a remarkable writer and his journey towards literary greatness.