First published in 1990, Songs of the Doomed is now back in print, all due to popular demand!

This third and most extraordinary volume of the Gonzo Papers offers a captivating look into Dr. Hunter S. Thompson's thirty years in the Passing Lane. In it, he recalls both high and hideous moments, and no one escapes his hilarious yet remarkably astute social commentary.

With Thompson's trademark insight and passion for the state of American politics and culture, Songs of the Doomed charts a long and strange trip from Kennedy to Quayle, presented in his freewheeling and inimitable style. Spanning four decades from 1950 to 1990, Thompson is at his best as he flees New York for Puerto Rico, rides with the Hell's Angels, investigates the sleaze of Las Vegas, grapples with the "Dukakis problem," and details his infamous lifestyle bust, trial documents, and Fourth Amendment battle with the Law. These tales, often sleazy, brutal, and crude, are just the tip of what Jack Nicholson described as "the most baffling human iceberg of our time."

Songs of the Doomed is vintage Thompson, a brilliant, brazen, and bawdy compilation of the greatest sound bites of Gonzo journalism from the past thirty years. It's a must-read for anyone interested in Thompson's unique perspective on American society and culture.

Now this is an Audiobook!

It offers a unique and convenient way to enjoy literature. Instead of sitting down with a physical book and reading the words on the page, you can simply listen to the story being narrated. This allows you to multitask, such as while driving, exercising, or doing household chores. Audiobooks bring the written word to life with the help of talented narrators who use their voices to create different characters and set the mood. They can add an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story, making it even more engaging. Whether you're a book lover who wants to experience your favorite novels in a new way or someone who struggles with reading, audiobooks are a great option. So sit back, relax, and let the story unfold through the power of sound.

“Songs of the Doomed: The Gonzo Papers Volume III” is yet another extraordinary collection of musings, rants, and deep undercover investigative journalism by Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, one of the most captivating writers of our era.

When it comes to lifetimes, I'm still deeply frustrated that he chose to end his own life by shooting himself in the head. It's my own selfish desire, really. I yearned for him to pen more works, so that I wouldn't have to constantly re-read every passionate outpouring he ever typed. But who can fathom the reasons behind his decision? Perhaps the specter of Dick Nixon was indeed haunting him. That可恶的家伙.

This volume contains entries spanning from the 1950s all the way to the 1990s, all brimming with the intricate details and often the madness of Hunter's drug-fueled tirades. There are tales about the Hells Angels, Ken Kesey, LSD, and his stint working for Rolling Stone magazine. Hunter's coverage of the Pulitzer divorce trial in the 1980s in Palm Beach is outstanding, and there are dozens of archived newspaper columns and personal correspondences scrawled by Thompson himself.

Five decades of decadence, drenched in rum and whiskey, laced with cocaine, and pushed into overdrive. From running for office in Aspen to reporting in courtrooms, on back streets, and even from jail, these are just a few of the collected works of this mad genius. And I absolutely love it.

- Michael Buffalo Smith, michaelbuffalo.net

Maybe this only deserves a four.

In my opinion, it seems to have some filler material that doesn't quite add to the overall value.

However, there's nothing like Gonzo.

Gonzo brings a unique energy and style that is truly one of a kind.

It stands out from the rest, captivating the audience with its bold and unapologetic approach.

Despite the flaws that may be present in this particular piece, the essence of Gonzo shines through, making it something special.

It has the ability to engage and excite, leaving a lasting impression on those who experience it.

Whether it's the wild stories, the larger-than-life characters, or the unconventional narrative, Gonzo has a charm that is irresistible.

So, even though this might not be a perfect ten, it still holds a certain allure thanks to the magic of Gonzo.

This is the only Thompson book that I found nearly unreadable.

It was a complete letdown. I had high expectations for this work, as Thompson is known for his engaging writing style and unique perspectives. However, from the very beginning, I struggled to get through the pages.

The story seemed to lack a clear direction, and the characters were not well-developed. I found myself constantly losing interest and having to force myself to continue reading.

Despite my best efforts, I could not find anything redeeming about this book. It was a disappointment from start to finish, and I would not recommend it to anyone.

I hope that Thompson's future works will be more in line with his previous successes and will not leave readers feeling as let down as I did with this one.

Having read several of Thompson's books, I constantly find myself drained by the experience. He is more coherent than Joyce, for example, but his writing still appears to meander a great deal. The particular section of this book that I truly enjoyed was his personal account of his time in Vietnam during the pullout process. I had no idea just how leftist he could be, and it made me question how that didn't undermine his tough guy, crazy man persona.

There were other elements that caught my attention as well. If there had been more of such engaging content, in my opinion, he would hold a much higher position in my estimation than he does currently. His writing has the potential to be more impactful and engaging if he could focus and streamline his ideas more effectively.

Overall, while Thompson has his moments of brilliance, there is still room for improvement in his writing style and structure. I look forward to seeing if he can evolve and refine his work in future publications.

Gotta read some HST at some point. It seems like an interesting and important thing to do. This particular piece provides a good overview. It gives a sense of what one might expect when delving into the works of HST. It might touch on the main themes, the writing style, or perhaps some of the most significant contributions that HST has made. Reading this overview makes one eager to explore further and actually get into the nitty-gritty of HST's writings. It serves as a useful introduction, piquing the curiosity and laying the groundwork for a more in-depth study. Whether one is a casual reader or a serious scholar, having a good overview like this can be extremely helpful in guiding the journey of discovery into the world of HST.

For the most part, it is classic Thompson. I truly enjoy his unique writing style.

Some of the stories, on the other hand, were more narrative in nature and revealed this other aspect of him: thoughtful and observant.

Nonetheless, for the majority of the time, I really relished simply "hearing" the stories.

In a sense, it was as if I could envision him sharing the stories with me, much like an old acquaintance who indulges in reminiscing about the past.

His words have a certain charm that draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are a part of the narrative.

Whether it is his vivid descriptions or his engaging storytelling, Thompson has a way of captivating the audience and leaving them wanting more.

Overall, I have a great appreciation for his work and look forward to reading more of his stories in the future.

Questions about the death of a dream occupy a significant part of the mind of any rational freak.

Whether you are riding a chopper on the wave of psychedelic Haight-Ashbury or you are a senior sergeant in the border service in the Chui Valley.

The ability to ask a question separates us from the obligation to find an answer.

The answer to fear can only be disgust, and for love - hatred.

These questions linger in our thoughts, constantly taunting us.

They make us question our very existence and the meaning of our pursuits.

Even in the most seemingly mundane situations, the specter of a lost dream can haunt us.

It is a universal human experience that transcends time and place.

We may try to ignore these questions, but they will always resurface, demanding our attention.

Perhaps the key to finding peace lies in confronting these questions head-on and accepting the answers, whatever they may be.

Nobody seems to know what my crimes are.

The charges are vague, but. . . I am actually on trial for Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll.

This statement by HST, the Prince of Gonzo Journalism, sets the tone for his wild and unorthodox style.

It is the structured lunacy of Hunter that makes his writing so addictive and FAST. His words have a unique charm that draws readers in and keeps them hooked.

But there are only two types of HST fans.

On one hand, there are those who follow him for his drug fuelled antics, attracted by the allure of his rebellious lifestyle.

On the other hand, there are those who seriously appreciate his hindsight into America's fragmented social ruin.

They see the deeper meaning and significance in his work, understanding that his wild exterior is just a façade for a brilliant and perceptive mind.

HST's influence on journalism and popular culture cannot be overstated, and his unique brand of storytelling continues to inspire generations of writers and thinkers.

Basically, this work is a compilation of miscellaneous items. It abandons the chronological approach used in the other two gonzo papers volumes and offers a broader perspective with various recollections from the time period written by Thompson in the early 1990s. While "The Great Shark Hunt" and "Generation Swine" were almost exclusively journalism, this book includes excerpts from Thompson's fiction, such as his abandoned first novel "Prince Jellyfish" and the much later to-be-published "The Rum Diary". At his peak, Thompson could be a highly powerful writer with a truly original voice - unique in content, concept, and construct. However, if you stack up a large amount of his work back to back, by the time you reach the third volume, it starts to repeat itself. There is some value in this repetition as it helps you truly get to know the man, similar to rolling your eyes at a friend who has told the same story a hundred and fifty times. But you really have to desire to be friends with that person for it to be worthwhile.

A nice cross section of Hunter's articles, short stories, excerpts, and rants is presented here, arranged in chronological order by decade. Some of the excerpts are recognizable as being from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Rum Diaries, and Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail.

Thompson's writing style is uniquely clean, despite the fact that some of the subject matter might initially seem maniacal. What is most remarkable, considering his reputation as a heavy drinker and his interest in hallucinogens, is the depth of insight and perception in much of his work.

The section about the 1990s mainly focuses on Thompson's trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a female reporter who came to interview him. As part of this fiasco, his home was searched and some items were removed. However, all charges, even those for small amounts of "controlled substances," were later dropped.

As part of the story, there is a quote by Judge Brandies: "Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the Government's purposes are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal well meaning but without understanding."

This quote appeared in a letter to Thompson from his advising attorney, who congratulated him for having the courage to stand up for his 4th Amendment rights and not allowing himself to be railroaded by the legal system. The attorney further commented on how common this sort of infringement was in the 1990s and how appalled people even one generation ago would have been to have their persons and possessions searched before boarding public transportation. He also discussed the dangerous precedent it sets and the gradual erosion of rights due to good people failing to say "no."

I have always enjoyed reading Thompson's work. At times, it can be crazed and savage, but in the end, he always had a keen sense of prescience.