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The Joke’s Over: Bruised Memories: Gonzo, Hunter S. Thompson, and Me Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,695 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In early 1970, artist Ralph Steadman went to America in search of work and found more than he bargained for. At the Kentucky Derby he met a former Hell’s Angel, one Hunter S. Thompson. Thompson wrote later that “The rest of that day blurs into madness. The rest of that night, too. Steadman was lucky to get out of Louisville without serious injuries, and I was lucky to get out at all.” Thus began a thirty-year working relationship and friendship that gave birth to what became known as Gonzo Journalism.
Few people knew Hunter S. Thompson as well as Ralph Steadman did. This no-holds-barred memoir tells of their unique collaboration that documented the turbulent years of the civil-rights movement, the Nixon years, and Watergate. When Thompson committed suicide in 2005, it was the end of a friendship that was defined by both betrayal and understanding.
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"Book of their relationship mostly. At times the book is sad, in showing how Steadman felt second fiddle to HST. At points in the book Steadman lashes out at HST... and tries to show how he has prevailed.Mostly fond recollections though. "
— Uncle (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“It is fairly amazing that these two could get away with having so much fun, on expense accounts no less, in the name of journalism.”
— New York Post -
“Records…the wildly erratic tempo of their bruising friendship…A fair and poignant assessment of the chaotic genius and messy legacy of Hunter S. Thompson.”
— Independent (London) -
“There can be no question that Hunter S. Thompson’s pivotal works would not be the same without the accompanying artwork of his partner Ralph Steadman…[Steadman] recalls it all eloquently.”
— Buffalo News -
“Bizarre and compelling.”
— Miami New Times -
“A pleasant surprise.”
— Tampa Tribune -
“Steadman genuinely admires his friend’s writing but examines his character with clear-eyed honesty and corrects the record as he sees fit…Funny and—unlike his subject—dry.”
— Booklist -
“A must read.”
— BookPage
Awards
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A New York Times Editor’s Choice
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On New York Post’s “Required Reading” List
The Joke’s Over Listener Reviews
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" Eloquent, insightful, brutally honest account of his relationship with Hunter S. Thompson. However, he abruptly darts into tangents without bringing them back to the main point. It doesn't bother me, as it's consistent with the Gonzo style, but I can think of a few people that would be driven nuts by this. I'm enjoying the book it because it gives a lot of background, and helps me to more fully understand the motives and designs behind their collaborative work. "
— Adam, 2/15/2014 -
" Not a bad book, but I just couldn't finish it. Ralph Steadman is a better artist than author. "
— Mollymillions, 2/10/2014 -
" Steadman's drawings are an essential part of the Gonzo experience. He coped well with Raoul Duke's brand of vicious craziness and it is fitting that he should write about his old partner in crime in such an emotional way. A good read if you liked HST! "
— Lysergius, 2/9/2014 -
" It's amazing to finally get insight into the "other side" after reading Hunter's take on everything for so long. And to get some perspective on what Hunter was like as a friend and compatriot. "The Horror! The Horror!" Pretty interesting, Ralph. Who knew what you'd been bottling up all these years. Cheers. "
— Tomjo, 1/23/2014 -
" Ralph bought the ticket and took the ride! I enjoyed reading about Steadman's career, and backstory re The Curse of Lono. Recommended for HST/Steadman fans. "
— patty, 12/27/2013 -
" This story was a whirl-wind ride through the bizare and mad life of writer Hunter S. Thompson, told by his good friend Ralph Steadman. "
— Julie, 12/24/2013 -
" If anyone could paint a picture into the soul of Hunter S. Thompson... this is the man. "
— Lisa, 12/19/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this book alot. It gives a very interesting insight into the life of Hunter S. Thompson that maybe you think you know or maybe you don't. Definitely entertaining and a quick read. "
— Kathryn, 12/18/2013 -
" Though this memoir seemed liked something that I'd really like, I lost interest about half way through, and did not finish it. "
— Erik, 11/27/2013 -
" I very much enjoyed knowing Ralph's side of the story. "
— Lydia, 11/4/2013 -
" Truly amusing, but there is an intimate pain of loss when reading this. Steadman is a man of pictures, Thompson was the man of words. Interesting and revealing- as if anything about thompson is at all shocking. "
— Stephen, 10/10/2013 -
" Corroborates many of Hunter S. Thompson's writings - interesting to read the other side of the conversation taking place during their misadventures. "
— Heather, 7/9/2013 -
" Ralph Steadman should stick to illustrating. "
— Patrick, 11/16/2012 -
" the anecdotes, the faxes! but reading it, i felt like i was hiring someone to pick through his dead friend's bones. "
— Ella, 10/31/2012 -
" Crazy stories from Hunter S. Thompson's humble sidekick. "
— Tyler, 2/24/2012 -
" some nice back story stuff. Nothing mind-blowing. "
— Greg, 1/29/2012 -
" A lovely commentary of a heart-warming relationship! I loved it! :-) "
— Charlie, 11/22/2011 -
" I miss Hunter, this book only added to the fact he is gone and the joke is indeed over. A great read for fans of Hunter. "
— Ann, 10/10/2011 -
" If you are a fan of Hunter and Ralph you will love this read! "
— Guy, 9/28/2011 -
" What can I say? Steadman gives some great accounts of his relationship to the great Hunter S. Thompson. I just wish he would've worked more on his own narrative voice instead of trying to SOUND like Thompson. "
— jackalope, 8/22/2011 -
" It's great to have a first hand perspective of the stories I already know from somebody a little more grounded-although not by much! "
— Melissa, 7/13/2011 -
" If anyone could paint a picture into the soul of Hunter S. Thompson... this is the man. "
— Lisa, 5/11/2011 -
" "Don't write Ralph. You'll bring shame on your family" Of course, this wasn't true, and I kind of feel bad that this was sat on my shelf for four years waiting to be read, because Ralph writes just fine. "
— Steve, 2/24/2011 -
" Truly amusing, but there is an intimate pain of loss when reading this. Steadman is a man of pictures, Thompson was the man of words. Interesting and revealing- as if anything about thompson is at all shocking. "
— Stephen, 1/25/2011 -
" If you are a fan of Hunter and Ralph you will love this read! "
— Guy, 12/14/2010 -
" This book is more a collection of haphazard notes and diary pages transformed into a novel-like memoir. Fun to read but at times repetitive and dull, it is a emotionally wrought book on two talented friends who fed off each other's intensity. "
— Farhad, 8/12/2010 -
" Ralph shares good,bad, and ugly side of Hunter as a friend. I feel like I know him better, and Ralph is a good writer too! Since reading Dylan's autobiography and this, I am seeing artists who transcend their fields of expertise. Cool. "
— Steven, 6/25/2010 -
" the anecdotes, the faxes! but reading it, i felt like i was hiring someone to pick through his dead friend's bones. "
— Ella, 3/2/2010 -
" stick to the drawings Ralph "
— Jon, 12/7/2009 -
" Ralph Steadman should stick to illustrating. "
— Patrick, 11/11/2009 -
" I very much enjoyed knowing Ralph's side of the story. "
— Lydia, 9/27/2009
About Ralph Steadman
Ralph Steadman has illustrated many books, including Hunter S. Thompson’s legendary Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and the fiftieth-anniversary edition of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. He is the author of four other books. He lives in England.
About James Adams
James Adams is one of the world’s leading authorities on terrorism and intelligence, and for more than twenty-five years he has specialized in national security. He is also the author of fourteen bestselling books on warfare, with a particular emphasis on covert warfare. A former managing editor of the London Sunday Times and CEO of United Press International, he trained as a journalist in England, where he graduated first in the country. Now living in Southern Oregon, he has narrated numerous audiobooks and earned an AudioFile Earphones Award and two coveted Audie Award for best narration.