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Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72 [Mass Market Paperback]

Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (92 customer reviews)

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Book Description

April 22, 1985
The best account yet published of what it feels like to be out there in the middle of the American political process.

Frequently Bought Together

Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72 + Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream + Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga
Price for all three: $30.76

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

With the same drug-addled alacrity and jaundiced wit that made Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas a hilarious hit, Hunter S. Thompson turns his savage eye and gonzo heart to the repellent and seductive race for President. He deconstructs the 1972 campaigns of idealist George McGovern and political hack Richard Nixon, ending up with a political vision that is eerily prophetic. A classic!

Review

'The best stuff on the campaign I've read anywhere.' Nicholas Von Hoffman, Washington Post 'Obscene, horrid, repellent ! driving, urgent, candid, searing ! a fascinating, compelling book!' New York Post 'Hunter S. Thompson is the most creatively crazy and vulnerable of the New Journalists. His books are brilliant and honorable and valuable ! the literary equivalent of Cubism: all rules are broken.' Kurt Vonnegut Jr 'Gaze in awe ! Hunter Thompson does in his own mad way betray a profound democratic concern for the polity. And in its own mad way, it's darned refreshing.' New York Times 'Shocks you into laughter.' Detroit Free Press 'Unnerving!' Newsweek --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

  • Mass Market Paperback: 512 pages
  • Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (April 22, 1985)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0446313645
  • ISBN-13: 978-0446313643
  • Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.2 x 6.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (92 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hunter S. Thompson's books include Fear and Loathing in America, Screwjack, Hell's Angels, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Proud Highway, Better Than Sex, The Rum Diary, and Kingdom of Fear. He was contributor to various national and international publications, including a weekly sports column for ESPN Online. Thompson died February 2005.

Customer Reviews

The book remains unsurpassed in its candid view of a presidential political campaign. James Ferguson  |  13 reviewers made a similar statement
In a sense, it's also a large part of what makes this book so very interesting. arye orona  |  8 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Insightful Look at Presidential Politics October 19, 2004
Format:Mass Market Paperback
All too often, Hunter Thompson's remarkable and vast journalistic production has been overwhelmed and deluded by his famous work, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. It would seem that most Thompson readers fail to see that Thompson's works, far from being one esoteric drug opus, range the spectrum of popular cultre, politics, and to a great extent a large segment of American history.

One of his best and most illuminating books, Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail 72, is written with the cutting commentary and breakneck pace so recognizable as Thompson. However, each comment and postulation is well researched and based on deep thought, even if enhanced by the occassional milky hit of Singapore Gray.

Thompson studies the 1972 Presidential election month by month, following both polls and candidates across the nation. Rather than see the election as a political institution, Thompson slices away the media fat and studies candidates, their motivations, and the varied behavior of the American constituency.

The author takes time to explore each candidate, although concentrating mostly on the Democratic Party, discussing their platforms on the major issues of the time: amnesty, the de-escalation of Vietnam, the civil rights movement, etc. and accurately and insightfully illustrates their place in not only the election, but in America during the early 1970's.

Thompson, having closely studied politics for innumberable years illustrates waves and trends throughout American politics, from 1964-72, with numerous and ultimately accurate predictions for the future.

Although a different work than Fear in Loathing in Las Vegas, a very interesting and personal look at American politics and Thompson the journalist. A must read for "politics junkies" as well as Thompson fans.
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A no-holds-barred look at the American political scene February 23, 2000
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Although not as thrilling as Hell's Angels and not as profound as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, F+L: on the campaign trail '72 does offer a brilliant analysis of the frenzied, unpredictable nature of American politics. With the McGovern/Nixon presidential race as its focus, this book gives the reader an insider's unflinching view of a year out with the candidates as they crisscrossed the USA. Unfortunately, Thompson takes some of the transcribed dialogue sections a bit too far and the inclusion of many irrelevant details was not necessary. The book should have been properly edited and cut down by about 100-150 pages. But having said that, the word for word transcription of an interview with George McGovern near the end of the book is priceless! What insight! The last 20 pages or so - the "Editor's conversation" - is also very good. If any foreigners want an understanding of the American campaign process, THIS IS THE BOOK TO READ. From no one but Thompson will you get such a realistic account. Gonzo journalism at its twisted peak, perhaps. Excessive at times, but worth the time and effort. Thompson's writing is more penetrating and entertaining than that of any tradional political journalist, period. Hell, you've got to give this guy credit. He's an original! The "football conversation" with Richard Nixon in New Hampshire and the "Sheridan"/Jerry Rubin incident on Muskie's Florida train are both hilarious!
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Gonzo on the Campaign Trail December 27, 2001
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Hunter S. Thompson became a self-described political junkie from his days on the 1972 Presidential campaign trail. Unabashedly throwing his support behind Democratic candidate George McGovern, Dr. Thompson takes on a dizzying journey from hotel room to hotel room across the country lauding his man McGovern and railing against his enemy Richard Nixon. The book provides as much detail about Mr. Thompson's activities as they do the campaigns themselves, but hell, Dr. Thompson is alot more interesting. One of the most poignant moments is when Dr. Thompson rides in a limo with his enemy Nixon and they discuss football, which is a passion of both men. Dr. Thompson actually sees some humanity in Nixon and breaks down the facade that Nixon and most politicians erect. He shows a human side to a man who is often looked upon as inhuman. Dr. Thompson still despises him and his views, but by peeling away a layer, he can expose things that lay beneath the surface. For people like myself who were too young to experience this campaign and the times, Fear & Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72 is a brilliant and amazing ride through the times.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my all time favorites
This is pure HST. I loved this book. It really let me touch the nerve of politics in 1972. The funny thing is things have not changed much in 40 years. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Adam Porter Demshar
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic HST
so much can be said about how amazing this book is, but why read about it when you can just read it yourself. as HST said "buy the ticket, take the ride."
Published 2 months ago by Keith P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Cool read.
Not one of the more exciting Hunter S. Thompson reads. If your looking for that read Hells Angels or something. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Meghan
5.0 out of 5 stars loved
quick and fantastic. amazing book and got to me so very quickly! my husband is also a giant fan of it
Published 4 months ago by Alexandra Hensley
5.0 out of 5 stars Just as good today as '72
This is easily Hunter's best work; here he is insightful and surprisingly personal.

Reading this in the run up to the 2012 election made me realize how much of his... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Sam D. Romero
3.0 out of 5 stars Never To Be Replicated
Hunter S. Thompson is an incomparable and dangerous writer. Incomparable, because he writes in a style that is at once energetic and rambling -- he spins a yarn that is so funny... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Mahogany Ship
5.0 out of 5 stars Gonzo on the Edge
40 years have passed since the release of this book, but time only enhances the razor-sharp political instincts Hunter was blessed with. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Paul Bryant
3.0 out of 5 stars Slow, Tedious
I can't give any Hunter S. Thompson book less than 3 stars, but this one was close. I'm 31 so maybe I just was out of touch with the times, but this book lost my interest pretty... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mark Sanchez
5.0 out of 5 stars Fear and Loathing--RULES!!
Blast from the past. Thompson is among the best reporters of political events, due to his insight, knowledge-base, and willingness to explore a difficult topic. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Stu Righter
5.0 out of 5 stars fly on the wall
Purchased the hardcover - without the new forward. For many reasons, the most brilliant unintentional in-depth study of Watergate ever written. Apologies to my heros- Woodstein. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Steven J. Chaikin
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