Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

In 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,' journalist Raoul Duke embarks on a drug-fueled journey to the heart of the American Dream. Accompanied by his attorney, Dr. Gonzo, they plunge into a chaotic world where reality blurs and surreal encounters abound. As they navigate the neon-lit chaos of Las Vegas, Duke grapples with the disillusionment of a generation seeking truth amid madness. With razor-sharp wit and unflinching commentary, Thompson exposes the darker sides of both society and self. This iconic novel leaves readers questioning the boundaries of sanity and the essence of freedom.

By Hunter S. Thompson

Published: 1998

"We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold."

Fear and Loathing in Las VegasBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

50th Anniversary Edition • With an introduction by Caity Weaver, acclaimed New York Times journalist This cult classic of gonzo journalism is the best chronicle of drug-soaked, addle-brained, rollicking good times ever committed to the printed page. It is also the tale of a long weekend road trip that has gone down in the annals of American pop culture as one of the strangest journeys ever undertaken. Also a major motion picture directed by Terry Gilliam, starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

About the Author

H

Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter S. Thompson (1937-2005) was an American journalist and author, best known for pioneering the genre of Gonzo journalism, which blends factual reporting with fiction, and often includes the author's subjective experience. His notable works include "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," a darkly comedic exploration of American culture and the counterculture movement of the 1970s, and "Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs," which chronicles his experiences with the notorious motorcycle gang. Thompson's distinctive style is characterized by its vivid, often outrageous prose, intense honesty, and a deep disdain for the political establishment, making him a key figure in American literature and journalism.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Hunter S. Thompson
Published
May 1998
Publisher
Vintage
ISBN
0679785892
Language
English
Pages
225
Genres
Modern LiteratureSatirical LiteratureLiterature

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

The Physics of Wall StreetBook binding

The Physics of Wall Street

James Owen Weatherall

Recession Proof GraduateBook binding

Recession Proof Graduate

10% Happier Revised EditionBook binding

10% Happier Revised Edition

Dan Harris

Your Sacred SelfBook binding

Your Sacred Self

Wayne W. Dyer

The Design of Everyday ThingsBook binding

The Design of Everyday Things

Don Norman

Catch-22Book binding

Catch-22

Joseph Heller

The Kite RunnerBook binding

The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini

NWBook binding

NW

Zadie Smith

Showing 8 of 30 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Meghan Markle's Book Recommendations

Meghan Markle's Book Recommendations

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is an American actress, humanitarian, and author known for her role as Rachel Zane on the television series "Suits." After marrying Prince Harry in 2018, she became a prominent figure in the British royal family and an advocate for social justice and women's rights. In 2021, she published her first children's book, "The Bench," which explores the bond between fathers and sons through a mother's eyes. Markle's literary work reflects her commitment to storytelling and her passion for fostering empathy and understanding. Beyond literature, she co-founded the Archewell Foundation with Prince Harry to promote compassion and well-being globally.

View Collection
Danielle Teller's Book Recommendations

Danielle Teller's Book Recommendations

Danielle Teller is a distinguished author and physician known for her insightful exploration of relationships and personal growth in her literary works. She has co-authored the acclaimed novel "All the Ever Afters," a reimagining of the Cinderella story from the perspective of the stepmother, which has garnered praise for its inventive narrative and rich character development. Alongside her literary pursuits, Teller is a practicing physician with a background in critical care medicine, bringing a unique depth of empathy and understanding to her storytelling. Her works often blend her medical expertise with her talent for weaving compelling, emotionally resonant tales. Teller's contributions to literature are marked by her ability to challenge traditional narratives and offer fresh perspectives on well-known stories.

View Collection
Neil deGrasse Tyson's Book Recommendations

Neil deGrasse Tyson's Book Recommendations

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist, author, and science communicator, best known for his work in popularizing science through various media. As the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, he has played a pivotal role in bringing astronomical discoveries to the public. Tyson has authored several bestselling books, including "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" and "The Pluto Files," which have made complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. He is also the host of the popular science TV show "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey," a continuation of Carl Sagan's groundbreaking series. Tyson's contributions have significantly enhanced public understanding and appreciation of the universe.

View Collection
Haruki Murakami's Book Recommendations

Haruki Murakami's Book Recommendations

Haruki Murakami is an internationally acclaimed Japanese author known for his surreal, magical realist style, blending elements of reality with the fantastical in his novels. His works, such as "Norwegian Wood," "Kafka on the Shore," and "1Q84," have captivated readers with their dreamlike narratives, introspective characters, and deep exploration of existential themes. Murakami's unique voice often explores loneliness, isolation, and the complexities of human nature. His use of metaphors and symbolism has earned him a dedicated global following, and his books have been translated into dozens of languages. A reclusive figure, Murakami avoids public appearances and prefers to let his work speak for itself, although he occasionally writes essays and non-fiction on topics such as running, jazz, and literature. Murakami has been a strong contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature for years, and his influence on contemporary fiction is undeniable. Beyond his writing, Murakami is also an avid marathon runner and music enthusiast, elements that often appear in his narratives.

View Collection
Alain de Botton's Book Recommendations

Alain de Botton's Book Recommendations

Alain de Botton is a Swiss-British philosopher, author, and founder of The School of Life, an organization dedicated to teaching emotional intelligence and life skills. De Botton’s books, such as The Consolations of Philosophy and How Proust Can Change Your Life, blend philosophy with everyday life, offering practical wisdom on love, work, and happiness. His work has popularized philosophy, making it accessible to a wider audience. De Botton is also a public speaker and essayist, frequently exploring topics related to human fulfillment and personal growth. His unique approach to philosophy has made him a respected voice in contemporary culture.

View Collection
Jon Hamm's Book Recommendations

Jon Hamm's Book Recommendations

Jon Hamm is an American actor best known for his role as Don Draper in the critically acclaimed television series "Mad Men," which aired from 2007 to 2015. While Hamm's achievements are primarily in acting, his portrayal of the complex, enigmatic ad executive has been lauded for its depth and nuance, significantly impacting television storytelling. His performance earned him numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy. Beyond "Mad Men," Hamm has appeared in various films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility across genres. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work has influenced contemporary narratives and character development in modern media.

View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.

View Collection
Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Flickr, one of the first photo-sharing platforms that helped define social media and web 2.0. After the success of Flickr, Fake went on to co-found Hunch, a recommendation engine that was later acquired by eBay. She is a partner at Yes VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, with a focus on companies that foster human connection and creativity. Fake is also an advocate for ethical technology and often speaks about the importance of designing products that prioritize user well-being. Her contributions to tech and her insights on the intersection of technology and culture have made her a respected leader in the industry.

View Collection

Showing 8 of 27 related collections

We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

By Hunter S. Thompson

Frequently Asked Questions