In 1971, the outlandish originator of gonzo journalism, Hunter S. Thompson (1937-2005) commandeered the international literary limelight with his best-selling, comic masterpiece
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
. Following his 1966 debut
Hell's Angels
, Thompson displayed an uncanny flair for inserting himself into the epicenter of major sociopolitical events of our generation. His audacious, satirical, ranting screeds on American culture have been widely read and admired. Whether in books, essays, or collections of his correspondence, his raging and incisive voice and writing style are unmistakable.
Conversations with Hunter S. Thompson
is the first compilation of selected personal interviews that traces the trajectory of his prolific and much-publicized career. These engaging exchanges reveal Thompson's determination, self-indulgence, energy, outrageous wit, ire, and passions as he discusses his life and work.
Beef Torrey is the editor of
Conversations with Thomas McGuane
and co-editor of the forthcoming
Jim Harrison: A Comprehensive Bibliography
. Kevin Simonson has been published in
SPIN
,
Rolling Stone
Village Voice
, and
Hustler
.