Hunter Thompson Chatter at The Nation Podcast and Copperfield's

Delighted to chat about Hunter Thompson with Jon Wiener on The Nation magazine's podcast, "Start Making Sense." John Nichols is the guest for the first 20 minutes, then Jon and I bring it home.

I had a chance to stretch out a bit more during my online talk hosted by Copperfield's, the North Bay book chain. Jamie Madsen hosted that one, which is on YouTube. I included ten images to put across some helpful visual information. Also to offer the audience an alternative to my mug.

As always, grateful to my hosts and all who took the time to listen.

Larry McMurtry and Lonesome Dove

I'm rereading Larry McMurtry's Literary Life. I forgot that the Lonesome Dove Baptist Church in Ponder, TX, furnished the title for his most famous novel. He saw its sign one night after dining at the Ranchman's steakhouse. That's also where we ate when I met him. (He spoke at the University of North Texas when I was teaching there.) The 74-year-old restaurant has been closed for two years, but the owner says it will reopen.

The other thing I realized on this reading is that Literary Life is dedicated to David Streitfeld, whom I met last year in San Francisco. We gathered to celebrate Margaret Harrell's new book about her relationship (and correspondence) with Hunter Thompson. David reported on books for The Washingon Post for many years, and Larry McMurtry owned a bookstore in Georgetown before shifting his operation to Archer City, TX.

Jann Wenner, Super Editor

"Savage Journey" describes the lengths to which HST's editors went to assemble and polish his articles and books. The "Rolling Stone" staff did an enormous amount of work under tough conditions. “Editing Hunter required stamina,” Jann Wenner said, “but I was young, and this was once in a lifetime, and we were clear on that." Add his face to the gallery of HST's super editors.

Hunter Thompson Chat on KPFA

I was delighted to appear on KPFA's "Letters and Politics" with Mitch Jeserich. Long-time listener, first-time guest.

Fanatical followers of this blog will know how much I appreciate KPFA, not only now, but also back in the day. In my teaching at San Francisco State University, I try to make sure my students understand its significance.

Tom Richards on Hunter Thompson

Another smart review of Savage Journey, this one from Tom Richards in the Houston Press. He's clearly an aficionado. Check it out, I say.

Jonah Raskin on Savage Journey

Welcome remarks from Jonah Raskin, and not only about the book. (He's quite right, for example, that Didion could be as scathing in her prose as Thompson was in his.) Much to think about here. Am I delighted by the praise for Savage Journey and the work leading up to it? Yes. Very much.