The story I chose to write about for this weeks task is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Apart from being an incredible author and journalist, Hunter S. Thompson has been a pillar of inspiration for many, and created a rift in the American culture in a violently weird, disruptive yet insightful way. Hunter S. Thompson, a literary maniac, immersed himself in whatever he was writing about, and struck a cord with the rebellious youth of the 70’s. His work is as shocking today as it was back then, and for that he has cemented himself in history as one of the greatest to ever do it.
The reason why Fear and Loathing is one of my favorite stories is simply because I respect his dedication to the craft of writing, himself, and his stories. Thompson is credited for creating Gonzo journalism, a term he coined himself. Wikipedia defines Gonzo journalism as:
Gonzo journalism is a style of journalism that is written without claims of objectivity, often including the reporter as part of the story using a first-person narrative. The word “gonzo” is believed to have been first used in 1970 to describe an article about the Kentucky Derby by Hunter S. Thompson, who popularized the style. It is an energetic first-person participatory writing style in which the author is a protagonist, and it draws its power from a combination of social critique and self-satire.
Fear and Loathing was Thompsons third published book, and follows the story of Raoul Duke and his attorney Dr. Gonzo following the Mint 400 motorcycle race in the desert of Las Vegas in the 70’s. The story strays far and away from the race itself, and focuses more-so on the journey that Duke and his friend have created for themselves — a drug fueled venture in search of the American Dream in the city of sin. Through this story, Thompson unearthed an edgy sense of tormented enlightenment that has been speaking to the small population of high octane, unruly, mutinous youth; listening to every word, for decades.