Hell's Angels - A Strange and Terrible Saga

Hunter S. Thompson

Modern Library

1999

288 páginas

9h 36m

ISBN-13: 9780679603313

Hunter S. Thompson's vivid account of his experiences with California's most notorious motorcycle gang, the Hell's Angels. In the mid-1960s, 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 countercultural 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.

Resenhas (1)

3 (Bom)

My first Gonzo Journalism experience. It was interesting to say the least.

Thompson is keen in the description of his one year following the Hell's Angels around. Of course, even though he doesn't get into details about his participation in any of the activities, I am sure he partied just as hard as the outlaws themselves. He is also incisive in some commentary and analysis of the American society of that period (1960-1966); a period of uncertainty, experimentation, revolt, and too many unanswered questions.

Comments such as "It may be that America is developing a whole new category of essentially social criminals…" or the even more caustic "Justice is not cheap in this country…" are worthy of note, to say the least. I am sure that the still existent Hell's Angels organization has changed considerably from those days, but I would imagine the idealism behind their bond and loyalty remains the same, regardless of (what I see as) an open contempt for society as it has been organized beyond their closely knit group, and their obvious talent for taking advantage of the system. It would seem they don't respect it, but they definitely use it.

I was disappointed, however, that Thompson never let us know what the argument that caused his downfall with the Angels was about.