The young Hunter brought to my mind a great deal of the young Jack Kerouac.

Both of them were highly idealistic, brimming with hope and potential, both seeking a shining future within the realm of literature.

Although Hunter was not a devotee of Jack's, they both unfortunately fell short of fulfilling that initial promise, yet in different manners.

Jack, having become disillusioned, self-destructed and wiped himself out with alcohol.

Hunter, on the other hand, got ensnared in his own drug-fueled mythology.

This book is of utmost importance for fans of Hunter and for anyone who has an interest in the culture and counter-culture of the 1960s.

Hunter's distinct approach to journalism came to signify the out-of-bounds "alternative" to mainstream media reporting, and it remains unrivaled to this day.

One of my all-time favorites is this collection of letters.

The author expresses himself in a way similar to HST, allowing all the fans to witness the extreme passion he had right from the very beginning.

The reader has the opportunity to observe his growth, starting as a hustling article writer and evolving into the author of "Hell's Angels".

It also touches on the original ideas that eventually became "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream" by Hunter S. Thompson.

This collection provides a unique insight into the mind and development of the author, showing how his thoughts and ideas transformed over time.

It is a must-read for any fan of Hunter S. Thompson or those interested in the evolution of a great writer.

This book offers a fascinating peek into the inner workings of one of the most articulate delinquents that God seemingly plucked up and deposited onto our small blue planet. It truly provides a unique perspective that is both captivating and enlightening.

I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in Thompson to pick up this book and give it a read. However, for those who lack such an interest, it is advisable to stay away. Instead, they can choose to remain secluded in their homes, engage in unexciting sexual encounters with their spouses, and watch as their children's brains are slowly numbed by the overuse of VR in their rooms.

"Wow, what a ride" - Hunter S Thompson. This simple yet powerful statement from Thompson himself sums up the experience that awaits the reader within the pages of this remarkable book. It takes you on a journey like no other, filled with twists, turns, and moments that will leave you breathless.

Any good emailer would absolutely love this book.

He was ten times the letter writer compared to what he was as a novelist.

Although one might indeed wonder if any letter that was returned could ever be as good as the ones he wrote.

It is truly a remarkable surprise just how entertaining it is to simply read Hunter's half of the correspondence.

The way he expresses himself in those letters, the details he includes, the emotions he conveys - all of it makes for a captivating read.

Whether it's his witty remarks, his profound thoughts, or his descriptions of everyday life, Hunter's letters have a charm that is hard to resist.

One can't help but get drawn into his world and feel a connection with him through his words.

This book is a treasure trove for anyone who appreciates the art of letter writing and the power of words to communicate and entertain.

This is the book that reveals the free-spirited intellect.

Through his letters, essays, and short biography, he provided a much-needed prophetic voice.

He represented powerful truth and offered insights into the early post-war military-industrial machine, as well as the moral and ethical fabric of America itself during the Cold War.

I was both surprised and delighted to immerse myself in this book while residing in a small apartment in Morningside Heights, dealing with a not-so-minuscule cocaine addiction and a resolute bout of homesickness.

Here are the rants, love letters, and crass critiques from early foes who became lifelong friends.

This book is the necessary introduction to The Rum Diary (do not read it without this as the complementary guide).

There is so much more, but it all merges into a bottle of irony and a river runs through it.

It's a captivating read that takes you on a journey through the mind of a unique individual, exploring various aspects of his life and the times in which he lived.

The book's contents are rich and diverse, offering a glimpse into the complex and often turbulent world of the author.

Whether you're interested in history, literature, or simply a good story, this book has something for everyone.

It's a must-read for those who want to understand the author's perspective and the significance of his work.

So, pick up this book and let it transport you to another time and place.

All I can think is wow, what a crappy husband he was

Well, if you have a penchant for this sort of thing, then this is truly it.

Here we have 661 pages filled with letters penned by the one and only Hunter S. Thompson. And mind you, this is merely Volume One out of a trilogy.

It won't be long before I delve into the second volume.

I recall having a Fear and Loathing T-shirt way back when, but that was a long time ago.

This collection of letters offers a unique insight into the mind and thoughts of Thompson.

It's like opening a window into his world and experiencing his adventures, ideas, and emotions through his own words.

Each letter is a precious gem, waiting to be discovered and explored.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of Thompson or simply someone interested in his work, this volume is sure to captivate and engage you.

So, sit back, relax, and prepare to embark on a literary journey like no other.

I often find myself in a rather unexpected situation where my life gets accidentally influenced by other people's journals and letters. It's truly remarkable how the words penned by strangers can have such a profound impact on me.

These personal writings seem to open up a window into different worlds, allowing me to peek in and experience emotions and perspectives that I might never have otherwise encountered.

But I've decided that it's time for a change. I'm now determined to let an actual novel have a go at changing my life. I'm curious to see how a fictional story, with its carefully crafted characters and intricate plotlines, can affect me on a deeper level.

I'm excited to embark on this new literary adventure and see where it takes me. Maybe this novel will become a turning point in my life, just like those journals and letters did. Only time will tell.

This book, arguably, laid the foundation of gonzo journalism.

It is truly magnificent. Even from the essays that HST wrote in his teenage years, it was evident that he would be enshrined in the hall of literary merit.

This remarkable book has the power to take you into the mind of HST. It not only leads you to various geographical places but also delves deep into your thoughts.

Overall, it is a quite good book or compilation of letters. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in gonzo journalism, adventure, travel, or even to someone who is simply looking for a good read. It offers a unique perspective and an engaging experience that is sure to captivate the reader.

Whether you are a fan of HST or new to his work, this book is well worth your time and attention.

Thompson's correspondence serves as a revealing tool that peels back the layers of the mythos he painstakingly constructed around himself. It exposes the true nature of the man beneath the public persona. He was brilliant, not only as a writer but also as a self-promoter, with an ability to capture the attention of the masses. However, he was also energetic, yet frequently lazy to the extent of sloth, lacking the discipline to follow through on his ideas. Incredibly intelligent, he could also be oddly naive, failing to see the consequences of his actions. He was often angry, sometimes justifiably, but at other times, it seemed as if he was angry for the sake of being angry. His self-destructive tendencies were also evident, as he seemed to court disaster at every turn. Petulant at times, he was still a student of life, constantly learning and growing. Supremely insightful, he could be easily distracted, losing focus on his goals. And his egomania was palpable, running deep within his bones. He was jealous of almost anyone he came in contact with and could be a complete bastard, treating others with little respect. Despite all of this, students of Thompson's work will gain valuable insights into how he contributed to New Journalism and ultimately failed with Gonzo Journalism. Selah.

I am currently engaged in reading this remarkable book for the sixth time. Each time I turn the pages, I am continuously unearthing a plethora of interesting facts, witty sarcastic quips, profound political insights, and personal wisdom. HST's genius seems to spill forth onto every single page.

The more deeply I immerse myself in his work, the greater my appreciation for him grows. It's as if with each reading, a new layer of his brilliance is revealed.

Well, I have once again perused this literary gem, and I have emerged from it with an enhanced level of insight and understanding. His work has never let me down. It always manages to captivate my mind and expand my perspective.

It is truly a testament to the power and lasting impact of HST's writing that I can return to it time and time again and still find new treasures within. I look forward to many more readings and continued discoveries in the pages of his work.

This was an interesting read indeed. It is a collection of pre- and early-fame correspondence from Hunter S. Thompson, who was striving hard to establish himself as a professional writer.

Is it essential? Well, definitely not. However, Thompson is an entertaining read even at his worst. It is quite amusing to see how peculiar he was, even before getting involved with drugs. Some of my favorite letters include the one he wrote to President Johnson, in an attempt to become the ambassador to Samoa, his numerous angry outbursts towards his lawyer, and whenever he was trying to wriggle out of paying a bill. I'm glad I read this, but I probably won't explore the next two volumes of correspondence.

The downside to this collection lies in its completeness. There are over 600 pages of letters here, and many of them cover similar topics. Given that these letters span from 1955 to 1967, it's not overly surprising that some unappealing (read: casually racist) remarks surface from time to time. On the other hand, these instances are relatively rare and perhaps less than what one might anticipate from a Kentucky boy during the Civil Rights era. Nevertheless, Thompson's talent for language makes those moments sting.