Hunter s thompson quotes

1. Biography of Hunter S. Thompson
2. Rise to Fame
3. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter Stockton Thompson was born on July 18, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky. After his father's death in 1952, Hunter's mother struggled with alcoholism, leaving him and his two brothers without proper care. After finishing school, Hunter briefly worked before joining the United States Air Force due to a truck accident. It was during his service at an Air Force base in Florida that he began his career as a journalist, writing under a pseudonym about life on the base. However, he was discovered and subsequently discharged.

Hunter then attended Columbia University for a short time before finding work at 'The Time' magazine. However, his refusal to obey orders led to his dismissal. A similar incident occurred when he worked for the 'Middletown Daily Record,' where he got into a fight with an advertiser and broke a vending machine. Despite his difficult personality, Hunter had a way of charming people, especially those considered antisocial. He loved provocation and extremes and despised rules.

Rise to Fame

In 1959, Hunter embarked on a journey to South America with a friend. He worked briefly in Puerto Rico for 'El Sportivo' magazine and wrote notes about his experiences, which eventually became the novel 'The Rum Diary.' Although his first novel was never published, his second book, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,' solidified his literary career. Published in 1971, the novel follows the drug-fueled adventures of journalist Raoul Duke (a character based on Thompson himself) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo. This work marked the peak of Hunter's career and established him as a pioneer of gonzo journalism, a style characterized by its subjective, first-person narrative.

Later Years and Legacy

Hunter's success continued in the 1970s and 1980s as he worked for 'Rolling Stone' magazine, producing controversial and provocative articles. However, his later works did not achieve the same level of critical acclaim as his earlier writings. Hunter's drug use and personal issues potentially contributed to this decline. Despite this, he managed to write the well-received novel 'The Curse of Lono,' which is considered a follow-up to 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.'

In the last years of his life, Hunter wrote infrequently. He married his personal assistant, Anita, in 2003, but two years later, he tragically died by suicide. Many of his loved ones believe that his suicide was a calculated decision rather than a spontaneous act. A purported posthumous note published in 'Rolling Stone' magazine titled 'Football Season Is Over' discusses the limitations of life and reflects Hunter's view that 67 years was the limit for living a joyful existence.

Hunter's remains were shot out of a cannon in accordance with his wishes, as stated in his will. Johnny Depp, who portrayed Hunter in the film adaptation of 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,' took responsibility for fulfilling his friend's final request. On August 20, 2005, the cannon fired, sending Hunter's ashes into the sky at sunset.