Thompson, Hunter S. (1937/39–)

HUNTER STOCKTON Thompson, the journalist, author, and unsuccessful politician, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 18, 1937, or 1939; questions remain about his birth year due to Thompson's habit of writing about himself as being either younger or older in his work. Thompson represents America's counterculture by openly advocating marijuana use, guns, and civil liberties. His unique style of journalism has seen him progress from a cult legend to a more mainstream fan base. Thompson espouses far rightwing opinions (gun rights, for example), but more often left-wing liberalism. His rebellious journalism weighs him in on the left side of politics.

His path into journalism was far from normal. While studying journalism at Columbia, he was forced to enlist into the air force after a crime-filled ...