Timothy Denevi on Hunter S Thompson and the Art of Journalism (Part 1)

Set during the Great Depression, 'Ask the Dust' is a gritty and poignant tale of Arturo Bandini, a young writer in Los Angeles. The novel, told through Bandini's first-person narrative, explores themes of poverty, ambition, love, and despair. Bandini's struggles with writer's block, financial hardship, and his complex relationship with Camilla Lopez are vividly depicted against the backdrop of the era's harsh realities. The book is known for its spare, well-crafted prose and its influence on later writers, including Charles Bukowski.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

First published in 1911, 'The Devil's Dictionary' is a collection of satirical definitions written by Ambrose Bierce. The book is a critique of the societal norms and values of Bierce's time, using humor and irony to redefine common words. It is known for its clever and often biting definitions that reflect Bierce's skeptical view of human nature and society.

The book examines the origin, spread, and consequences of the 1918 influenza pandemic. It traces the virus to Haskell County, Kansas, and details how it spread globally through military camps and troop movements during World War I. Barry discusses the scientific efforts to identify the pathogen, the failure to develop an effective vaccine at the time, and the significant social and political factors that exacerbated the pandemic. The book also highlights the long-term impact of the pandemic, including the revolutionary scientific discoveries that followed, such as Oswald Avery's proof that DNA carries genetic information.

Published in 1935, 'It Can't Happen Here' is a dystopian political novel by Sinclair Lewis. The story is set in a fictionalized version of the 1930s United States and follows the rise of Berzelius 'Buzz' Windrip, a demagogue who becomes the country's first outright dictator. The novel centers on Doremus Jessup, a newspaper editor who opposes Windrip's fascist policies and becomes a key figure in a liberal rebellion against the regime. The novel was adapted into a play by Lewis and John C. Moffitt in 1936, which premiered in 21 U.S. theaters simultaneously.

Slouching Towards Bethlehem is a collection of essays by Joan Didion that captures the essence of 1960s America, especially in California. The book includes twenty essays that cover a wide range of topics, from the counterculture movement in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district to personal narratives and character portraits. Didion's essays explore themes such as the decline of traditional values, the disillusionment of the American Dream, and the tumultuous social changes of the era. The title essay, 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem,' is a vivid portrayal of the hippie culture and its contrast with its idealized representations, drawing imagery from W.B. Yeats' poem 'The Second Coming. ' The collection also includes essays like 'On Keeping a Notebook' and 'Goodbye to All That,' which reflect on Didion's personal life and writing habits. Through her keen observations and vivid storytelling, Didion provides an unflinching and insightful overview of America during the 1960s.

The Dragon Masters series, part of Scholastic's Branches line, is designed for newly independent readers. The series follows young dragon trainers like Drake, Ana, Rori, and Bo as they train with their dragons to battle against the evil wizard Maldred. Each book is fully illustrated with engaging black-and-white artwork and features easy-to-read text, high-interest content, and fast-paced plots. The series emphasizes themes of friendship, self-confidence, and the importance of trust and communication between the dragon masters and their dragons.

Nelson, a typical nerdy kid, wakes up on his tenth birthday to find he has developed ninja powers. He must navigate his new abilities while saving the world from evil forces, aided by his cool granny's inventions. The book is part of the Ninja Kid series, known for its action-packed and light-hearted storytelling.

In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power. The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend. Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations. The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness.

The book is a firsthand account of the experiences of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, a group of psychedelic enthusiasts who traveled across the United States in a painted school bus called Furthur. The narrative, written in the New Journalism style, later referred to as Gonzo Journalism, details their use of LSD and other psychedelic drugs, their 'Acid Tests' parties, and interactions with notable figures of the 1960s counterculture, including the Grateful Dead, Hells Angels, and Allen Ginsberg. The book also explores Kesey's exile to Mexico, his arrests, and his impact on the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler while he was imprisoned following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, is a two-volume work that combines autobiography and political treatise. The book details Hitler's early life, his experiences during World War I, and his increasing antisemitism and militarism. It outlines his vision for Germany, including the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, and his racist and anti-Semitic views. The work became the central text of National Socialism and a blueprint for Hitler's policies, including aggressive foreign policy and the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.

Published in 1971, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' is a novel written by Hunter S. Thompson, presented as a blend of journalism and fiction. The story follows journalist Raoul Duke (Thompson's alter ego) and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo (based on Oscar Zeta Acosta), as they embark on a trip to Las Vegas to cover the Mint 400 motorcycle race. However, their assignment quickly devolves into a chaotic and surreal journey fueled by a variety of recreational drugs. The novel critiques American society, consumerism, and the failure of the 1960s counterculture, while also exploring the concept of the American Dream. The narrative is characterized by its blurred lines between reality and fiction, reflecting Thompson's signature Gonzo journalism style.

James Salter's "A Soldier's Fortune" is a novel that explores the experiences of a young man navigating the complexities of war and love. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Korean War, offering a visceral and unflinching portrayal of combat and its impact on the human psyche. The protagonist's journey is marked by both physical and emotional challenges, as he grapples with the realities of war and the search for meaning in his life. Salter's prose is characterized by its precision and elegance, creating a powerful and unforgettable reading experience. "A Soldier's Fortune" is a testament to Salter's ability to capture the essence of human experience with grace and intensity.

John Fante's "Full of Life" is a novel that continues the story of Arturo Bandini, the protagonist of "Ask the Dust. " The novel explores themes of family, love, and the immigrant experience, offering a heartwarming and humorous portrayal of life in Southern California. Bandini's journey is marked by both challenges and triumphs, as he navigates the complexities of life and love. Fante's writing is characterized by its warmth, humor, and keen observations of human nature. "Full of Life" is a testament to Fante's ability to capture the essence of human experience with both sensitivity and wit.

In 'Dreams from Bunker Hill', John Fante continues the saga of Arturo Bandini, a young writer navigating the vibrant yet challenging landscape of Los Angeles in the 1930s. The novel explores themes of ambition, romance, and the complexities of artistic pursuit, reflecting Fante's own experiences as a struggling writer. Dictated from his hospital bed, this work showcases Fante's vivid storytelling and poignant reflection on the pursuit of dreams.

1933 Was a Bad Year is a posthumously published novella by John Fante, focusing on Dominic Molise, a 17-year-old Italian-American boy with aspirations to become a baseball legend. The story delves into the struggles of his family during the Great Depression, highlighting themes of poverty, family dynamics, and the disillusionment of the American Dream. The novella offers a candid portrayal of life in a dysfunctional family, blending humor and sadness.

The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze and Other Stories is William Saroyan's first collection of short stories, published in 1934. The title story follows a young writer in San Francisco during the Great Depression, highlighting his struggles and dreams. The collection was a significant success and marked Saroyan as a fresh and original voice in American literature.