Where do I start...a creative literary genius, author/journalist and socially estranged young man in an aging body - the man who couldn't bear to grow old. Often referred to as a drug addict, nut-case and accused of sexual assault, it has become clear that 'Dr.' Hunter S Thompson was widely disliked by the popular masses for his 'outrageous' and extraordinarily honest views on social and political issues he was confronted with in interviews. He quickly became a sort of entertainment for the media and its audience as a scapegoat or someone to look down upon- outshining his brilliance as the amazingly eccentric person he was
Thompson is best known for his 'gonzo journalism' styled publications, in which he is responsible for founding the literary movement. Gonzo journalism itself is a style of writing in which the author him/herself is placed within the report and the objectivity becomes a mess through vivid psychedelic descriptions and inner monologues - revealing the authors personal feelings on the piece rather than what is actually observed itself. Hunter S Thompson often used an alter-ego that reflected his own personality (Raoul Duke in Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas) - allowing him to express his personal feelings, experiences and visions via the medium of 'fictional' character. How much of these 'reports' and anecdotal pieces are creative licensing or fact always has and will remain a mystery...which is all part of the fascinating charade that Thompson was able to create.
Go watch some of his interviews or read his novels to make judgment for yourself.

List of popular publications by Hunter S Thompson -
-Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
-Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
-The Rum Diary
-Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72
-The Curse of Lono


Personally Im quite a fan of Thompson, his crazy outward personality seemed a farce to fend off people from uncovering the truth behind the man. Although he may have been insane (as most geniuses are I will say) his writing style and career is very inspiring to me - he seemed to be a man that let nothing stop him from having fun and being there right in the epicenter along for the ride. The legend will live on forever, any time someone writes stream of conscious styled pieces he will come to mind. Any time someone refers to the American dream as being long dead, Thompson was there to see it fade and said it first. The man may be gone but his legacy with live on forever through his works, RIP Dr Hunter S Thompson