Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72. By Hunter S. Thompson. First Edition, First Printing. Straight Arrow Books. San Francisco, 1973.

Hunter S. Thompson was a preeminent American journalist and author whose works have become classics of New Journalism and Gonzo literature, a subgenre that is largely credited to Thompson himself. Among his works, Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72 stands out as an innovative example of political journalism. It covers the 1972 US presidential campaign wherein Richard Nixon was reelected. Like Thompson’s other Gonzo texts, it fictionalizes and exaggerates real events with dark humor. However, Thompson’s liberties never stray from the thematic portrayal of the reality of the 1972 presidential campaign, making the work as informative as much as it is embellished. It met positive reviews upon publication and elevated Thompson’s status in the world of political journalism. Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72 remains a classic and one of Thompson’s best works.

This first edition, first printing very good condition. In the original black casing, very good with small tears and chipping to spine ends. Rubbing to corners. Text block near-fine, only minor soiling to bottom edge. In the original first issue dust jacket with white border around the author photo on the back panel. Dust jacket very good with rubbing, creases, chipping and closed tears to edges. Price clipped.

A very good first edition of Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72.