Hell’s Angels

book by Thompson

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July 16, 2026

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Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga is a 1966 book by Hunter S. Thompson that explores the world of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. Thompson embedded himself with the club, documenting their lifestyle and activities. The book brought the Hells Angels, founded in Fontana, California, in 1948, to wider public attention, though the club eventually turned against Thompson.12

The Hells Angels are known as an international motorcycle club, often characterized as an "outlaw motorcycle gang" by law enforcement. Members typically ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles and adhere to a strict membership process. The club has faced accusations of criminal activity, including drug manufacturing and distribution.1

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Hunter S. Thompson
Early life and the Hell’s Angels
…an experience he recounted in Hell’s Angels (1967). The book led to writing assignments for Esquire, Harper’s, Rolling Stone, and other magazines. In addition to his irreverent political and cultural criticism, Thompson also began to attract attention for his larger-than-life persona, which was highlighted by drug- and alcohol-fueled adventures and…
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…an experience he recounted in Hell’s Angels (1967). The book led to writing assignments for Esquire, Harper’s, Rolling Stone, and other magazines. In addition to his irreverent political and cultural criticism, Thompson also began to attract attention for his larger-than-life persona, which was highlighted by drug- and alcohol-fueled adventures and…
Read More

Hells Angels
…subject of his first book, Hell’s Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga (1966). Thompson befriended many members, but the club ultimately turned against him and beat him. His qualified admiration of Ralph (“Sonny”) Barger, long-term president of the Oakland chapter, helped turn Barger into the club’s public face and national…
Read More
…subject of his first book, Hell’s Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga (1966). Thompson befriended many members, but the club ultimately turned against him and beat him. His qualified admiration of Ralph (“Sonny”) Barger, long-term president of the Oakland chapter, helped turn Barger into the club’s public face and national…
Read More