"Garcon!" Typed, hand-annotated 1961 postcard from Hunter S. Thompson about writing The Rum Diary

Thompson, Hunter S.

Published by [No publisher], Big Sur, CA, 1961

About this Item

Typed postcard from Hunter S. Thompson to his friend, Paul Semonin, in Aspen, postmarked January 19,1961. Has Thompson's underlines, a typo crossed out, and the words "Fat days are here." written in bottom margin. He discusses writing The Rum Diary, referred to here as "The Great P.R. novel," and mentions getting an assignment from Playboy. The Rum Diary would remain unpublished until 1998. An interesting snapshot of the Gonzo journalist's early writing career. Good, creased and toned, typical postal markings on both sides.The postcard reads in its entirety: "Garcon! // Am interuppting (sp?) Big Sur piece for Playboy long enough to flash a fat high-sign across the desert to the [cross-out] snowbound interior. I have done the dinga (note new address): am moving into massive castle on cliff above sea, rent $15 per mo. Have also gained control of Eng. Triumph motorcycle (a wild and terrible thing, compared to the scooter of yore) with no lights & two hellfire pistons that carry me along these cliffs at lip-curling speed. Got tentative assgn. from Playboy & am trying to work as much as possible before Maxine [Ambus] comes back with a load of gin. She called yesterday from Bone's apt & is heading west. I shall be over to see you before Feb 15 if she arrives on schedule. Never know. The Great P.R. novel limps along. Unctuously, WDT / Fat days are here.".

Seller Inventory # 140949430

Bibliographic Details

• Title: "Garcon!" Typed, hand-annotated 1961 postcard from Hunter S. Thompson about writing The Rum Diary
• Publisher: [No publisher], Big Sur, CA
• Publication Date: 1961
• Seller catalogs:
  • Signed
  • Journalism
  • Ephemera