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)

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.

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.

Gonzo Greatness

It’s ironic and entertaining, that an artist, who creates work as weird and visually chaotic as Ralph Steadman, would be the grounded one in any artists collaboration. But, it makes perfect sense when Hunter S. Thompson is the collaborator.

This novel is fun and well narrated. While it doesn’t explore any new ground concerning the real life cartoon character of Thompson himself, it’s an endearing and entertaining examination of the guy. Definitely worth your time.