Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter S. Thompson (1937–2005) was an American journalist and author who pioneered gonzo journalism and wrote Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. He made his own experiences and persona part of his reporting.

Gonzo journalism: A form of journalism in which the reporter becomes an active participant and the account blends reporting with personal voice. Thompson developed this approach by making his own presence central to reported stories.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Thompson’s 1971 book recounting a drug-fueled trip to Las Vegas through the fictionalized persona of Raoul Duke. The book is his most famous work and a defining example of gonzo writing.
The Louisville Courier-Journal: A newspaper founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1868. Thompson began his professional journalism career there in 1956.
Warren Hinckle: An American journalist and editor who founded the magazine Ramparts. Hinckle commissioned Thompson’s Kentucky Derby article, giving gonzo journalism its launch point.
Where the Buffalo Roam: A 1980 American film loosely based on Hunter S. Thompson’s writing, with Bill Murray portraying Thompson. It was the first major film adaptation to turn Thompson’s persona into a screen character.
New Journalism: A style of nonfiction writing that uses literary techniques such as scene, dialogue, and close point of view. Thompson’s work shared its literary methods while pushing reporter involvement further.
Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72: Thompson’s book-length account of the 1972 United States presidential campaign, first published in installments in Rolling Stone. It applies his immersive, openly partisan voice to national political reporting.
The National Observer: An American weekly newspaper published by Dow Jones from 1962 to 1977. Thompson’s reporting from South America and other assignments appeared in this paper.
Jann Wenner: An American publisher who co-founded Rolling Stone magazine in 1967. Wenner published Thompson extensively and helped bring his political writing to a national audience.
Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson: A 2008 documentary film about Thompson, directed by Alex Gibney. The documentary examines how his public persona and reporting became intertwined.

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