Generation of Swine

Generation of Swine compiles 100 columns written by Hunter S. Thompson for the San Francisco Examiner between 1985 and 1988. The writings chronicle American politics and culture during the Reagan era, with particular focus on the Iran-Contra scandal and the 1988 presidential campaign. Thompson applies his signature gonzo journalism style to observations of key political figures and events of the 1980s. His columns track the rise and fall of Democratic candidates, the transformation of American media, and the cultural shifts that defined the decade. The book serves as the second installment in Thompson's four-volume Gonzo Papers series, presenting his newspaper columns in chronological order. His raw commentary targets politicians, journalists, and cultural figures with unfiltered criticism and biblically-influenced prose. Through this collection, Thompson captures the excess and upheaval of 1980s America while examining themes of power, corruption, and the deterioration of American political discourse. The work stands as both political commentary and cultural artifact, documenting a pivotal period in modern American history.

Readers note this collection of Thompson's 1980s political columns lacks the raw energy of his earlier work. Many see it as more restrained and formulaic compared to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Fans appreciate: - Sharp commentary on Reagan-era politics - Thompson's trademark dark humor and cynicism - Coverage of 1988 presidential campaign - Insights that feel relevant to modern politics Common criticisms: - Repetitive topics and writing style - Less adventurous than previous books - Uneven quality between columns - Focus on dated political events requires historical context As one reader stated: "The fire is still there but feels more controlled, like he's writing on deadline rather than inspiration." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (900+ ratings) Several reviews mention this works better as a historical document than pure entertainment, with Thompson documenting the excess and absurdity of 1980s American politics.

Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72 Thompson's coverage of the 1972 presidential campaign presents the same unfiltered political commentary and insider perspective found in Generation of Swine.

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe This chronicle of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters employs the same immersive New Journalism techniques that influenced Thompson's style.

Miami and the Siege of Chicago by Norman Mailer Mailer's account of the 1968 political conventions mirrors Thompson's blend of personal experience with political reporting.

The Boys on the Bus by Timothy Crouse This inside look at campaign journalism during the 1972 presidential race reveals the media dynamics Thompson critiques in his columns.

The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe Wolfe's examination of test pilots and early astronauts captures the same American cultural shifts and power structures that Thompson dissects in his political writing.

🔸 Thompson wrote these columns between 1985-1988 while living in a fortified compound in Colorado, often filing them just minutes before deadline via early electronic transmission. 🔸 The book's title comes from a quote about the 1980s being the "Generation of Swine" - referring to the excess, greed, and moral decay Thompson saw defining the era. 🔸 During this period, Thompson was one of the first mainstream journalists to predict the Iran-Contra scandal would become a major crisis for the Reagan administration. 🔸 The columns were written weekly for the San Francisco Examiner, where Thompson was hired by publisher Will Hearst III specifically to provide political commentary with complete editorial freedom. 🔸 Many of the pieces were composed on an IBM Selectric typewriter - Thompson's preferred writing tool - which he would often shoot with his gun when it malfunctioned.