The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate The Proud Highway: Southern Gentlemen 1955--1967--The Fear and Loathing Letters, Volume 1

These 200-plus letters, culled from thousands Thompson wrote during his rebellious youth, prove one thing: Gonzo journalists are born, not made. Whether venting about early hackwork for Puerto Rico's Bowling News or threatening tooth-smashing violence to a dismissive agent, Thompson's correspondence — to lovers, old Air Force pals, Norman Mailer, enraged creditors — is fueled by his signature blend of bile, debauchery, and mischief. As such, The Proud Highway: Southern Gentlemen 1955—1967—The Fear and Loathing Letters, Volume 1 proves as meaty as most bios on Thompson — and way more fun. A-