Character Study

William McKeen signs his latest biography of a legend.

A A A Comments By Amber Taufen Thursday, Jul 17 2008

Few writers reach the notoriety of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. He was a character and a legend, the founder of gonzo journalism and a living, breathing contradiction — a peace-lover who was also obsessed with firearms, for starters. To take on a biography of Thompson’s life is a task of epic proportions, and who better to tackle it than author and professor William McKeen?

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McKeen’s no stranger to popular culture, particularly the popular culture of Thompson’s most productive years, the ’60s and ’70s; he’s written books on the Beatles, Bob Dylan and Hunter colleague Tom Wolfe, as well as a rock-and-roll anthology and a father-son tale of traveling Highway 61. His latest, Outlaw Journalist: The Life and Times of Hunter S. Thompson is McKeen’s even-handed look at Thompson’s life, built upon interviews with Thompson’s friends, family and associates — some of whom have never before spoken about their relationship with the writer. McKeen follows the story, from Thompson’s acts of rebellion as a youngster to his very last act: shooting himself while on the phone with his second wife, Anita.

McKeen signs Outlaw Journalist tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Tattered Cover, 2526 East Colfax Avenue; call 303-322-7727 or visit www.tatteredcover.com.
Mon., July 21, 2008

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