Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream [First Printing] Hardcover - 1971

New York: Random House , 1971. Stated First Edition with full number-line and 1971 date at copyright page. This tale first appeared as a two-part series in Rolling Stone magazine in 1971, and first published as a Random House book in 1972 (though majority of listings state the copyright of 1971). Grey pictorial blind-stamp boards, black cloth spine wrap, silver stylized spine titles, moderate shelf wear, edge sunning. Pages near fine, no writing. Bind fine; hinges intact. Rare original dust wrapper, moderate shelf wear, rub; unclipped 5.95, protected in new clear sleeve. Classic white wrapper design features dynamic red, black, & blue titles with the iconic schizoid imagery of Ralph Steadman with HST and Dr. Gonzo barrelling down the highway. Back panel features photograph of Hunter and the Doctor in Vegas lounge. Code 6/72 at back flap. Rare near fine first printing in same wrapper. Presented here is Hunter Thompson's notoriously rousing adventure into the pit of all that is the extreme of American consumption, vice and gaudiness. A roman à clef rooted in autobiographical incidents, the story follows its protagonist, Raoul Duke, and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo, as they descend on Las Vegas to chase the American Dream through a drug-induced haze. In 1998 it was adapted into the motion picture starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro. Maniacally illustrated throughout by Ralph Steadman, confidante and friend to Hunter. Includes a note About the Author. Printed in the U.S.A. 206 pages. Insured post.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/Fine. Illus. by Steadman, Ralph (Illustration). 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Book.