I found it easy to understand Hunter Thompson's underlying message - that which takes this book from an ugly cheap thrill to culturally significant. Fear and Loathing wouldn't have garnered the same critical acclaim if written during any other time period. Perhaps as little as two years in the wrong direction could have derailed its ascension. This fact is evidenced now in that some people don't get it and to those people I prescribe re-approaching the book with a diminished sense of moral decency and self importance.

To those considering reading the book, especially those who are like me and didn't grow up during this time period, I recommend first reading The Electric Kool Aid Acid Test. It will help you squeeze every last drop of enjoyment out of this book.