As
a writer, Hunter S. Thompson
means different things to differ-
ent people across several genera-
tions, which is a testament to his talent. It’s no
exaggeration to say his books have transcended
social barriers and created a common thread
among diverse groups of people: law enforce-
ment officials and restless youth, politicians and
the counterculture, professional journalists and
armchair quarterbacks to name a few. If this
sounds a bit bold, consider his body of work.
His first published book, “The Hell’s An-
gels:”, was the first detailed exposé written from
within the motorcycle club. His commentary
on the workings of the Angels – including their
motivations and interests – were so insight-
ful and accurate that the book was used as a
training manual for many police departments
on how to deal with the burgeoning motorcycle
club movement.
Probably his most famous work, “Fear and
Loathing in Las Vegas”, became a living bible
for the drug culture and rebel youth, having a
similar impact as “On The Road” did in the pre-
vious decade. It also had a tremendous impact
on the world of journalism, as did its predeces-
sor, a short piece written for Scanlan’s Monthly
rather subtly titled, “The Kentucky Derby is
Decadent and Depraved.”
His following book, “Fear and Loathing
on the ‘72 Campaign Trail”, was and still is a
must-read for politicians and those whose liveli-
hoods depend on understanding the workings
of the political arena. His further writing on
politics had politicians of all stripes calling for
the advice of the Good Doctor, which he was
sometimes called.
What makes these works so special is not
so much the subject matter, but the way in
which Thompson wrote. His form was wild
and breathless, catching action as it happened
(
sometimes with a tape recorder), cutting
through the crap, fictionalizing here, hallucinat-
ing there and making some semblance of sense
of it all later. It’s no surprise to learn that Ker-
ouac was one of Thompson’s biggest influences.
Thompson’s form became known as “Gonzo
Journalism,” a term coined by Thompson’s good
friend, occasional cohort and fellow journalist,
Bill Cardoso.
While to the public Thompson was often
portrayed as a subversive, drug-addled novelist,
the truth is that he was a sports writer, as well
as a self-proclaimed political addict. His road to
literary success, like most authors/journalists,
was a difficult journey to say the least.
WRITING ABILITY CAME NATURALLY
Thompson’s ability as a writer with a ruth-
less con-man streak was evident early in his life.
He was born July 18, 1937 in Louisville, Ky. As
a youth, he had several run-ins with the law
but was regarded as brilliant by his high school
English teacher. Even at that age he wrote in a
sardonic style constantly attacking the status
quo.
After graduating – which he did while in a
jail cell, serving a six-week sentence for robbery
as his fellow graduates were receiving their
diplomas – Thompson enlisted in the Air Force
and graduated from Scott Air Force Base in Bel-
leville, Ill. In 1956, he was assigned to Eglin Air
Proving Ground in Pensacola, Fla., which was
where he first began in the field of journalism.
LITERAREA
POLITICS, HIPPIES
AND HELL’S ANGELS
KEVIN KIZER
44
THEPEORIAN.COM
