Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga by Hunter S. Thompson

Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga by Hunter S. Thompson
ISBN: 0-679-60331-X
Pages: 263
Inside Flap Description:

"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. Int he mid-1960's, 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 counter cultural 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.

My Rating: A+

My Review:

This book is a great study of a sometimes mystifying and often intriguing group of people Hunter S. Thompson does not romanticize the Hell's Angels, nor does he portray them as anything other than what they are. He does however, write in a way that keeps you begging for more. he paints a vivid picture, which proves his talents to me mostly because I have nothing to draw from when it comes to this time period except for re-runs on Nick-at-Night.

The only issue I had with this book was really my issue more than the authors. The titles of the three sections seemed a bit misleading, but other than that this was a wonderful book. I highly recommend it to those even a little bit interested in the Hell's Angels or even Mr. Thompson himself.