Hunter S. Thompson detonated a two-ton bomb under the staid field of journalism with his magazine pieces and revelatory Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In Outlaw Journalist, the famous inventor of Gonzo journalism is portrayed as never before. Through in-depth interviews with Thompson's associates, William McKeen gets behind the drinking and the drugs to show the man and the writer-one who was happy to be considered an outlaw and for whom the calling of journalism was life.

About the Author
William McKeen, chair of the journalism department at Boston University, has written or edited thirteen books including Outlaw Journalist, Highway 61, and Everybody Had an Ocean.

Reviews
"A definitive biography...[McKeen] presents the life of this gifted yet troubled artist, warts and all, and he also takes the full measure of Thompson's journalistic accomplishment...a comprehensive portrait." -- Louisville Courier-Journal
"The best record to date of Thompson's life." -- Michael Washburn - New York Observer
"Essential." -- Bret Sokol - Miami Herald
"This is the Great Red Shark of Hunter biographies. McKeen gives us full frontal HST, horrific and heroic, the class clown of the class war. Read it or die." -- Greg Palast
"What a wild and wonderful ride Outlaw Journalist is for anybody interested in the literary legacy of Hunter S. Thompson. William McKeen hits all the right highs and lows in this fine roller coaster of a biography...A truly admirable achievement." -- Douglas Brinkley, literary executor of the Hunter S. Thompson estate and editor of The Proud Highway and Fear and Loathing in America
"There had to be more to Hunter Thompson than we knew. If you've ever wondered what was behind the sunglasses, drugs, and booze, what was beyond the craziness and the midnight motorcycle rides with no helmet, not even lights, here it is." -- Rick Bragg
"McKeen gives a clear-eyed, detailed accounting, from Thompson's rebellious youth to his revolutionary writing career...[He] fires another shot for Thompson with Outlaw Journalist." -- Sharon Eberson - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"William McKeen has wonderfully captured Hunter S. Thompson in Outlaw Journalist and in doing so has captured a significant time in our national life. Thompson changed how we think about and practice journalism. McKeen gives us a telling insight into how that happened." -- Michael Connelly



Book Information
ISBN 9780393335453
Author William McKeen
Format Paperback
Page Count 466
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 573g
Dimensions(mm) 208mm * 140mm * 28mm