Summary of Hunter S. Thompson's Hell's Angels

By IRB Media

Get the Summary of Hunter S. Thompson's Hell's Angels in 20 minutes. Please note: This is a summary & not the original book. Original book introduction: Thus begins Hunter S. Thompson’s vivid account of his experiences with California’s most notorious motorcycle gang, the Hell’s Angels. In the mid-1960s, Thompson spent almost two years living with the controversial Angels, cycling up and down the coast, reveling in the anarchic spirit of their clan, and, as befits their name, raising hell. His book successfully captures a singular moment in American history, when the biker lifestyle was first defined, and when such countercultural movements were electrifying and horrifying America. Thompson, the creator of Gonzo journalism, writes with his usual bravado, energy, and brutal honesty, and with a nuanced and incisive eye; as The New Yorker pointed out, “For all its uninhibited and sardonic humor, Thompson’s book is a thoughtful piece of work.” As illuminating now as when originally published in 1967, Hell’s Angels is a gripping portrait, and the best account we have of the truth behind an American legend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Jun 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638155218

IRB Media

With IRB books, you can get the key takeaways and analysis of a book in 15 minutes. We read every chapter, identify the key takeaways and analyze them for your convenience.

Book preview

Insights from Chapter 1

#1

The Labor Day Run was the biggest event for the Hell’s Angels. It was a time for drinking, fighting, random fornication, drugs, and overall debauchery. Anywhere from two hundred to a thousand bikers could be in attendance.

#2

The emblem of the Hell’s Angels is a winged skull wearing a motorcycle helmet. Typically, this patch is sewn onto the back of a sleeveless denim jacket. Members normally have long, unkempt hair with a beard to match. Their belts are sometimes motorbike chains that can be used as weapons.

#3

By 1965, Oakland was becoming the capital for the Hell’s Angels. A rival gang, the Diablos, tried to challenge the Angels around this time, even beating up a lone Angel. The result was each Diablo being hunted down and beaten one by one, disbanding the group