Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter S. Thompson was an American journalist and author, and the founder of the gonzo journalism movement. He rose to prominence with the publication of 'Hell's Angels' (1967), a book for which he spent a year living and riding with the Hells Angels motorcycle gang. Thompson is best known for his 1971 book 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,' which was later adapted into a film. His work is known for its blending of fact and fiction, its satirical critique of the American status quo, and its rebellious, free-wheeling style.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream

    This book is a semi-autobiographical novel that chronicles the adventures of a journalist and his attorney as they embark on a drug-fueled trip to Las Vegas. The narrative is a wild and hallucinatory exploration of the American Dream, filled with biting social commentary and outrageous antics. The protagonist's quest for the American Dream quickly devolves into an exploration of the darker side of human nature, highlighting the excesses and depravities of 1960s American society.

  2. 2. Hell's Angels

    This book provides an immersive exploration of the infamous motorcycle gang, the Hell's Angels, as seen through the eyes of a journalist who spent a year living and riding with them. The narrative delves into the lifestyle, mindset, and public perception of these notorious figures, offering a raw and unfiltered look into their world. It also examines the wider cultural context of the 1960s, including societal anxieties and the counterculture movement, and how these factors intersect with the Hell's Angels' existence.

  3. 3. Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72

    This book is a visceral, first-person account of the 1972 presidential campaign, as seen through the eyes of a maverick journalist. It blends political analysis, cultural commentary, and personal anecdotes to capture the chaotic spirit of the election that pitted incumbent President Richard Nixon against Democratic challenger George McGovern. The narrative is infused with the author's signature gonzo style, characterized by a highly subjective and often satirical approach to journalism. Through a series of articles originally written for a major magazine, the book delves into the machinations of political operatives, the mood of the American electorate, and the dark underbelly of the campaign trail, all while grappling with the broader implications of the American political system.