The Joke's Over

By: Ralph Steadman

Narrated by: James Adams

In early 1970, artist Ralph Steadman went to America in search of work and found more than he bargained for. At the Kentucky Derby, he met a former Hell's Angel, one Hunter S. Thompson. Thompson wrote later that "The rest of that day blurs into madness. The rest of that night, too. Steadman was lucky to get out of Louisville without serious injuries, and I was lucky to get out at all." Thus began a 30-year friendship and a working relationship that gave birth to what became known as Gonzo Journalism.

Few people knew Thompson as well as Steadman did. This no-holds-barred memoir tells of their unique collaboration, which documented the turbulent years of the civil-rights movement, the Nixon years, and Watergate. When Thompson committed suicide in 2005, it was the end of a friendship that was defined by both betrayal and understanding.

©2014 Ralph Steadman (P)2014 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Enormously entertaining." ( Boston Globe)

"It is fairly amazing that these two could get away with having so much fun, on expense accounts no less, in the name of journalism." ( New York Post)

So awesome to hear Ralph's side!

Packed with lots of great HST ravings, it was very interesting to listen to Mr. Steadman's perspective on their gonzo journey. Not many could balance & complement such an original, intelligent, savage being and I am grateful he shared his experiences.

A great look into the world of Gonzo

I loved it, but I wish the performer would have been more familiar with the correct pronunciation of certain names.

Great read

Phenomenal story on the birth of Gonzo and the outsized personality of HST from an equally talented writer, Ralph Steadman. A must read for Gonzo freaks of all walks.

The truth of it all

Loved this memoir. Feels accurate in its account of a unique life well lived and a collaboration between the perfect opposites.

A great artist puts it in words

I loved Steadman's descriptive writing that shows his mind works. I enjoyed his stories, both his journey and the ones that involved Hunter S Thompson.

Nice perspective of Hunter Thompson that goes great with Juan F Thompson's book about Hunter.

A pleasant surprise

Ralph captured the many side of Hunter. I didn't expect much from this book. I was pleasantly surprised.

Love Ralph

Ralph’s work is great! Love the insight and personal antidotes about Thompson. Was a great experience overall. Big fan of all of Steadman’s work.

Words for longing hearts, ears, eyes

For the length of this audiobook, I was able to re-experience the joys, laughter and shock I felt back in my 20s when I would binge read anything I could get my hands on, from HST. For me, to experience Thompson through his stories was to also experience Ralph Steadman. His Collaborator. It was a package-deal, I think.

Which is what makes this book, so special. To absorb his words and thoughts, personal and thought provoking, is really the long awaited for gift. The gift of “being there” again. And the gift of getting to know this great artist a bit more than before. Ralph Steadman, thank you for this book. You’ve made many of my days.

like HST?

this is a must listen. buy the ticket, take the ride. Ralph ever the gentlemen

a sermon on GONZOfrom the high preist of gonzo

a great listenand guide to gonzoand biography of hunter s thompson needs pdf of artwork's