Introduction, December & January Summary and Analysis

The author provides a brief description of himself. It is not particularly flattering. Perhaps this is what makes it so great. People in power can feel that it is okay for them to look down on him and those who feel short of political, financial or social power readily identify. Those are on the straight and narrow will see what a maniac he is. The first chapters of the book are: "The Author's Note" - in this Hunter S. Thompson describes himself as a freak of some kind. "December 1971" is next. During this section he readily admits to being prone to intoxication. In fact, at some point early on he explains that he has either stopped or drastically reduced his intake of drugs but is still getting drunk and smoking reefer. Even so, he explains to readers...