Hell’s Angels (by Hunter S. Thompson)
I purchased Hell’s Angels by Hunter S. Thompson from Audible ages ago and finally got around to it. The book intrigued me as I’m interested in the psychology of gangs and how they function.
Around 1965, Hunter S. Thompson spent about two years hanging out with the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang. This was a time period in which the Hell’s Angels were in their relative height of mayhem, violence, and destruction. I don’t think this book provided what I was hoping to learn. Although, Hunter covered the development of the gang, their colors and symbols, hierarchy, and codes, he mostly told stories about his time with the gang and their most publicized events. I’m at a place in my life where I intentionally lean away from media sources (television, books, etc.) that contain violence of this nature. While it was hard to listen to stories of brutal, horrific harm towards others, Hunter did not glorify their actions.
Drug and alcohol abuse were a huge part of the Hell’s Angels lifestyle. When LSD was introduced to the 1960’s scene, the Hell’s Angels were willing participants. I disagree with Hunter’s opinion of LSD use. He was derogatory about hippies using LSD and the research that was being conducted at the time by Richard Alpert (AKA Ram Dass) and others for spiritual use. As a student of Ram Dass, Hunter didn’t win any points with me with his condescension of psychedelic research.
Near the end of the book, Hunter talked about the Hell’s Angels views on non-Caucasian people. As this book was published in 1967, the language used was completely inappropriate.
As the book concluded, I worry that Hunter spent too much time with Hell’s Angels and their belief system penetrated his mind. I agree that the Hell’s Angels are humans and it’s necessary to respect others; however, I have zero justification or tolerance for the destruction, mayhem, and fear this gang displayed. It’s reprehensible. The ending left a bad residue as it seemed Hunter was sticking up for the gang and making excuses for their behaviors.
As I construct my thoughts on this book, I’m surprised I finished it. I think I did because I was hoping to achieve my initial goal. Unfortunately, the story gradually became unpleasant and at times hard to listen.
The audiobook was narrated by Scott Sowers; he did a good job.
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