Mike in Clear Lake
01-08-2008, 05:53 PM
Book Review: ****’s Angels by Hunter S. Thompson.
http://www.amazon.com/Hells-Angels-Strange-Terrible-Library/dp/067960331X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199835468&sr=8-2
This book is well worth the read for anyone who is interested in what is known in the motorcycle world as the One Percenters. In fact anyone who rides a motorcycle should read this book.
Having had exposure to some One Percenters while growing up in Los Angeles in the 60’s and from an in-law from NorthernVa, I would say that the writing of this book conforms to my early impressions. Keep in mind however, that this is written in the context of the 60’s and therefore much of it is not applicable to today's One Percenters.
Hunter S. Thompson does an excellent job of expository prose in this book, and unlike his contemporary and fellow loser, Jack Kerouac, Thompson actually tells a story with a sense of purpose instead of just reporting senseless meanderings and gibberish as did Kerouac in On the Road. Ironically some of Kerouac’s followers do cross paths with the ****’s Angels, and without apology I am pleased to report that several Angels stomped anti-war protesters at UC Berkeley that were led by Kerouac's cohorts. If you can't call the National Guard for the sake of political correctness, then please call the ****'s Angels :rider:
The real life characters reported on by Thompson are indeed complex. I will leave it to the reader to decide how heroic or villainous the characters are in the context of modern society.
It's a good book, and Thompson does get stomped in the end, though he never reveals why.
Also of interest is the rise of Japanese bikes and the demise of companies like Indian, BSA/Triumph, and Harley-Davidson. Thompson's reporting on this was most accurate.
Mike
P.S. I am willing to pass on the book at one of the evening meets. This will have to be in late Feb or March when I get back from overseas work. I am leaving on Friday.
http://www.amazon.com/Hells-Angels-Strange-Terrible-Library/dp/067960331X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199835468&sr=8-2
This book is well worth the read for anyone who is interested in what is known in the motorcycle world as the One Percenters. In fact anyone who rides a motorcycle should read this book.
Having had exposure to some One Percenters while growing up in Los Angeles in the 60’s and from an in-law from NorthernVa, I would say that the writing of this book conforms to my early impressions. Keep in mind however, that this is written in the context of the 60’s and therefore much of it is not applicable to today's One Percenters.
Hunter S. Thompson does an excellent job of expository prose in this book, and unlike his contemporary and fellow loser, Jack Kerouac, Thompson actually tells a story with a sense of purpose instead of just reporting senseless meanderings and gibberish as did Kerouac in On the Road. Ironically some of Kerouac’s followers do cross paths with the ****’s Angels, and without apology I am pleased to report that several Angels stomped anti-war protesters at UC Berkeley that were led by Kerouac's cohorts. If you can't call the National Guard for the sake of political correctness, then please call the ****'s Angels :rider:
The real life characters reported on by Thompson are indeed complex. I will leave it to the reader to decide how heroic or villainous the characters are in the context of modern society.
It's a good book, and Thompson does get stomped in the end, though he never reveals why.
Also of interest is the rise of Japanese bikes and the demise of companies like Indian, BSA/Triumph, and Harley-Davidson. Thompson's reporting on this was most accurate.
Mike
P.S. I am willing to pass on the book at one of the evening meets. This will have to be in late Feb or March when I get back from overseas work. I am leaving on Friday.