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politics or sporting events, he gave you the real story, as only he could.

Hunter S Thompson had a sense of humor that was second to none among authors, during that time or presently. He was able to inject his own outlandish, frequently hilarious and irreverent thoughts and outlooks into any subject that he was covering. He could make even the driest material readable, and more importantly, enjoyable. I have never been an avid follower of politics, but as I was making my way through his extensive catalog of writings, I eventually came across Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72. I thought to myself that if anyone can make the apparent monotony of politics exciting and humorous, it was Thompson. I was correct, he injected the story with life and vibrancy that until then, I didn't believe could be associated with American, or any sort of Political writing(albeit, that is just my simple opinion). That was what I loved about Thompson, it was as if he was looking at a situation from a whole other angle, while everyone else was seeing it from the same, tiresome side. He had a ferocity to his writing style, and that was especially clear when it came to writing on a subject such as Nixon. It made everything he wrote worth reading, and it was always hard to put a Thompson book down.

Although it was frequently his eccentric nature or his fondness for high powered weapons and Wild Turkey Bourbon that gained him attention and notoriety, it was his brilliance and creativity on the typewriter that kept his fans coming back. He was one of few authors that had that sort of appeal. Not only did he have it, he was able to keep it throughout his entire writing career. When Hunter Thompson released a new book, you bought it, and rarely did it disappoint. He was a Doctor of Journalism, and we were his patients, eagerly awaiting our next appointment with his genius.

His influence reached far and wide, not only throughout the writing community but throughout all artistic circles. Unique does not begin to describe Hunter S Thompson, but it is the best description I can think of. He was a unique voice in a chaotic time, and that has endeared him to his legion of fans and admirers, and continues to garner him a whole new generation of dedicated and appreciative followers who wish he was still with us.

Learn more about this author, Tim Swan.
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