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Hell's Angels
Gonzo journalist and literary roustabout Hunter S. Thompson flies with the angels—Hell’s Angels, that is—in this short work of nonfiction.
“California, Labor Day weekend . . . early, with ocean fog still in the streets, outlaw motorcyclists wearing chains, shades and greasy Levis roll out from damp garages, all-night diners and cast-off one-night pads in Frisco, Hollywood, Berdoo and East Oakland, heading for the Monterey peninsula, north of Big Sur. . . The Menace is loose again.”
Thus begins Hunter S. Thompson’s vivid account of his experiences with California’s most notorious motorcycle gang, the Hell’s Angels. In the mid-1960s, Thompson spent almost two years living with the controversial Angels, cycling up and down the coast, reveling in the anarchic spirit of their clan, and, as befits their name, raising hell. His book successfully captures a singular moment in American history, when the biker lifestyle was first defined, and when such countercultural movements were electrifying and horrifying America. Thompson, the creator of Gonzo journalism, writes with his usual bravado, energy, and brutal honesty, and with a nuanced and incisive eye; as The New Yorker pointed out, “For all its uninhibited and sardonic humor, Thompson’s book is a thoughtful piece of work.” As illuminating now as when originally published in 1967, Hell’s Angels is a gripping portrait, and the best account we have of the truth behind an American legend.
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Reviews
I have been a HST fan for decades and have read almost everything but this book, and it was a letdown. Boring, unfocused, and rambling. The book never develops into anything and just drones on. Big disappointment HST.
By IMLP140.6
Written during a time when lewd and racial language was acceptable. Cringeworthy and difficult to read in that respect.
By Gearchamp
Very poor book. Ridiculously redundant. Simply goes in circles.
By John Ratti
I couldn’t put this down. It’s a candid up-close look into one of the most notorious and secretive MCs, just as shocking today as I’m sure it was when published. This is a must-read for anyone interested in subcultures on the fray of society.
By Porkrhind
It was all over the place and centered on a few events. Disappointing read over one of Americas historical organizations. I expected better.
By ScooterTrash1975