This was the very first Hunter Thompson book that I had ever read, and it instantly made me a fan of his remarkable work.

Here was a man who had an insatiable desire to view the world from every conceivable angle.

The scene that is etched most vividly in my memory is when he described the Angels getting hooked on acid. It was truly an astonishing thing. They had this one thing in common with the hippies they despised. However, the difference was profound. The Angels didn't necessarily take LSD because they adored its effects. While the merry pranksters were all about the hallucinations and the mind-altering experiences, the Angels only took it because it was the cheapest drug they could lay their hands on. For them, any high was preferable to being sober. It was a fascinating insight into a world that was both strange and captivating, and it made me realize just how unique Hunter Thompson's perspective truly was.

His writing style was so engaging and his ability to bring these characters and their experiences to life was simply remarkable. This book opened my eyes to a whole new way of looking at the world and left a lasting impression on me.

My second HST book after Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is another remarkable work.

One aspect that I truly admire about Hunter S. Thompson is his unwavering dedication and total immersion in Gonzo Journalism.

He spent a whole year riding along with The Hell's Angels, documenting every single moment of that bizarre and harrowing journey.

No other journalist in today's world would have the courage to place themselves in such extreme and dangerous situations as Hunter did.

Although I may have had some issues with the book itself, I cannot deny the tremendous effort that went into it.

I really can't imagine what people's reactions were when this book was first published in 1966.

It must have been a shock to the system, a revolutionary piece of journalism that changed the way people looked at the world and at journalism itself.

Hunter S. Thompson's work continues to inspire and influence generations of writers and journalists, and his unique style and approach will always be remembered.

An Exceptional Work of Journalism

Mr. Thompson is truly one of the all-star writers in the realm of literature. His works are a testament to his remarkable talent and deep understanding. He delves into every subject with the most in-depth look possible, leaving no stone unturned. You simply cannot deny his extraordinary power over the people's language. His writing seems to have no origin and no end; it just exists in its own unique and captivating way. Every piece he pens is a genuinely original saga, a story that unfolds with a charm and authenticity that is truly magical. It is as if he has the ability to transport the reader into a world of his own creation, where words come alive and emotions are felt on a profound level. His writing is not only a reflection of his own life but also a fitting epitaph, a lasting tribute to his genius and contribution to the literary world.

When Thompson delves into the actual analysis of the inner workings of the Hell’s Angels, whether it's exploring their individual socioeconomic conditions that led to their involvement or examining how they interact with outsiders, the book presents an engaging on-the-ground account.

However, it's when Thompson begins to take jabs at major news publications such as the NYT or lauds himself for his so-called “progressive” views on rape and misogyny (which, granted, might have been considered so in 1966) that I can't help but roll my eyes.

The structure of the book is indeed one of its most potent elements. Centered around the Labour Day run of 1965, Thompson reflects upon a year's worth of observations through each element or event he encounters on that day. This imparts a sense of depth to the book, enabling the reader to understand the circumstances that culminated in that one epic day. I understand why it has become a classic and why Thompson is regarded as a cult hero. He has truly earned his stripes.

Overall, while there are aspects of the book that may raise eyebrows, its strengths in terms of analysis and structure make it a significant work in the literary canon.

There didn't seem to be an overarching plot within the book.

That is to say, all the details couldn't coherently come together to construct a proper story.

Instead, the book simply took delight in the Hell's Angels' unappealing reputation.

It was rife with language that essentially placed the blame on women for the circumstances they were in.

There was also casual racism present.

Moreover, it endeavored to romanticize the 'outlaw' lifestyle of the group.

This kind of content not only fails to offer a meaningful narrative but also perpetuates negative and unjust stereotypes.

It is concerning that such a book exists, as it may have an impact on the readers' perception of certain groups and behaviors.

Perhaps a more in-depth and objective exploration of the Hell's Angels could have been done to provide a more accurate and valuable account.

Hunter Thompson was an incredibly eccentric individual who immersed himself fully in his research, quite literally. He gave birth to a revolutionary movement known as Gonzo journalism. We studied this book during our college days and delved deep into the world of Gonzo.

In 1965, he had the audacious idea of affiliating himself with the Hell's Angels, a time when they were notoriously violent. The book chronicles his experiences of riding along with them. However, I wasn't overly fond of his writing style or the subject matter. Needless to say, I'm not a devotee of this particular book.

Although he was highly renowned in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, his fame gradually waned. He withdrew from society and became a recluse. Tragically, in 2005, he took his own life.

My only problem with this book was that my inner voice was Johnny Depp's.

It was a rather strange and unexpected phenomenon. Every time I read the words on the page, it was as if Johnny Depp himself was narrating the story in my mind. His unique voice, with its distinct cadence and charm, added a whole new dimension to the reading experience.

On one hand, it made the book come alive in a very vivid way. I could imagine Johnny Depp's expressions and mannerisms as he spoke the lines, which enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of the story. However, on the other hand, it also sometimes distracted me. I found myself getting more caught up in the image of Johnny Depp than in the actual content of the book.

Despite this small quirk, I still managed to thoroughly enjoy the book. The story was engaging and well-written, and even with my inner Johnny Depp voice, it was a pleasure to read. It just goes to show that sometimes, the most unexpected things can add an interesting and memorable element to our reading experiences.

The Hell's Angels represents HST at his prime, prior to the grip of booze, drugs, and The Reputation. It established his status as the enfant terrible of New Journalism and remains relevant today as a glimpse into the captivating all-American subculture of outlaw bikers. Thompson spent approximately two years riding with the Hell's Angels, frequenting their drinking haunts, attending rallies in small California towns, and introducing them to Ken Kesey and the vibrant East Bay acid scene of 1965.

He portrays the Hell's Angels as they truly are: crude, violent outcasts who find a strange form of grace while on the handlebars of a chopped Harley, yet are hopelessly oppressed in any other situation. The Angels simply desire to drink, have sex, consume any drugs within their reach, and ride motorcycles. Indeed, they wear tattered jeans soaked in motor oil and fight at the slightest provocation, but that's because the world has ostracized them, so they say "fuck the world."

However, things took a wrong turn during the time Thompson was writing this book. The Hell's Angels gained notoriety, becoming the subject of the sensational Lynch Report and articles in Time, Newsweek, and the New York Times. They were cast as automotive barbarians, accused of destroying towns and raping innocent women. Their heroic celebrity status, with its calculated menace, soured. The situation turned ugly, with intense pressure from state and local cops and strange conflicts. In the end, the Angels beat up Thompson for some minor slight and kicked him out for good, but he managed to produce an outstanding book from this entire strange adventure.

I have an intense love for Hunter S. Thompson. Admittedly, this is his very first book, and I have a penchant for books written during this era. There is remarkable insight, astute observations, and outstanding writing throughout. However, on more than one occasion, I got halfway through this book and (it must be conceded again that this was during my Attention Deficit Disorder phase when I struggled to finish any book. I usually had 4 - 6 books in progress simultaneously and never completed any of them) failed to reach the end. Well, finally, I picked it up once more and read it from start to finish, without juggling a bunch of other books at the same time. That crazy motherfucker, as a journalist, rode with the goddamn Hells Angels and penned a remarkable book about it. I still had a difficult time getting through the middle, though. Their Bass Lake run seemed to drag on a little too long for my liking. But the end was the absolute best part, the party at Ken Kesey and The Merry Prankster's La Honda ranch. Tom Wolfe utilized Hunter's recorded tapes from that time to assist him in writing The Electric Kool - Aid Acid Test, which I now need to reread having finally completed Hell's Angels. This is a significant part of history, man. The kind of history story that is brought to life through excellent writing. Hunter S. Thompson simply inserted himself right into the heart of his stories. He wasn't just the bystander observational journalist reporting on events. He was actively involved in the stories, and at times, the central figure.

It's truly a captivating read that offers a unique perspective on a particular moment in time.

Like its subject matter, this book is aimless, rambling, and ultimately not that interesting.

Partially salvaged by Hunter's writing, there are some decent lines scattered here. However, a few shoehorned soliloquies hardly elevate this piece. I feel like Hunter was truly inspired by "The Great Gatsby" because in both works I've read by him (the other being "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"), he invariably attempts to recreate the final page of that book. This one would have ended on his own attempt at that without the addition of the postscript, which actually gives this book a conclusion.

Ultimately, he spent 2 years alternating between shitting himself and feeling really cool about himself. There's that embarrassing part where he starts inviting the angels to hang out with his other intelligentsia wankers. He was trying to whitewash and analyze some loser rapists, and all he got out of it was a beating. It seems that despite his efforts, the book fails to truly engage and leave a lasting impression. The lack of a clear direction and the rather disjointed nature of the narrative make it a somewhat disappointing read.

Not what I was expecting.

He seems to contradict himself a great deal. On one hand, he almost appears to be arguing that the Hell's Angels aren't the monsters or aren't as bad as the national papers depict them to be. However, on the other hand, he argues about how they are misunderstood by citing examples of incidences where they cause trouble.

Thompson might just be attempting to assist the reader in understanding the Hell's Angels without bias. Nevertheless, the arguments and citations become rather repetitive. Maybe I'm confusing this take with Thompson's writing style.

It takes a while, but it does ultimately come around to presenting first-hand experiences with the HA. Thompson concludes strongly by offering insights into the gang's influence on American politics during the Vietnam era and the effect of those same politics on the gang and their eventual decline.

He has a really interesting line in the book comparing West coast student protesters against the war with the HA. Something like "the difference between the student radicals and the hell's angels is that the students are rebelling against the past, while the angels are fighting the future. Their only common ground is their disdain for the present, or the status quo." This line provides a unique perspective and adds depth to the overall analysis.

As far as I know, this is Hunter Thompson's first major book. And now, I can fully understand how it catapulted him to become such a highly sought-after writer.

When you begin reading the book, you might think it's solely about motorcycle outlaws, and to some extent, that's true. However, it's far from being the sole subject. "Hell's Angels" is truly about us: about Western Civilization, how it creates arbitrary rules, and what transpires for those who decide they will no longer abide by those rules, whether it's because they've uncovered them as a sham or because they've failed to conform and become something useful to that society.

Two distinct groups of people found their way into the Hell's Angels. There were the disaffected ex-military personnel who returned from Korea, unable to reintegrate into civilized society and lacking any support system to assist them. And then there were the young losers who discovered that a tribe would support them, regardless of right or wrong. This support is more potent than anyone realizes, especially for those who are often in the wrong.

Thompson's candor regarding his own involvement in the drug culture and the criminal behavior exhibited by the Angels has been cited by his historians as an example of "gonzo" journalism. However, it's fair to say that, at the time, it would have been nearly impossible to obtain the story he did without that kind of personal involvement. It was less of a stylistic choice and more of a necessity for getting the story. But it became part of the legend, and over time, it defined Thompson more than he defined it.

Some of the best writing in the book isn't even about the Hell's Angels. Instead, it's about the people who have to deal with the Angels. From Sheriff Baxter, who manages the Angels like a military diplomat, to the various politicians and media figures who showcase the early formation of the modern Fear Machine, Thompson looks unwaveringly at the hypocrisy of them all. The number of blatant lies he exposes in various newspapers serves as a reminder for us to be skeptical of unsubstantiated reports. The "special report" from the CA legislature on the Angels reminds us that too many "crises" are fabricated for the benefit of a few. And the Angels themselves serve as a reminder that there are large segments of our population, both then and now, who not only don't believe in the American Dream but actively oppose it. They believe they'll never receive a fair deal, so they might as well engage in rape, murder, and pillage like the Vikings of old. Refusing to consider this leads us to stigmatize the disaffected and grant more and more power to the State to simply make them disappear. Hollywood might give us dreadful films like "Hog Wild" to suggest that the biker phenomenon is now the domain of near-retirement former hippies who just want to relive their youth. Surely, no one can be disaffected in the interconnected and seemingly caring age we live in. But Hunter Thompson reminds us to take a closer look.