"Bad Craziness!" The Joke's Over Signed by Ralph Steadman

On August 27, I came across the best copy I've seen of The Joke's Over, illustrator Ralph Steadman's singular account of his tumultuous friendship with gonzo writer and collaborator Hunter S. Thompson. The book's half-title page has a hand-drawn, stylized caricature of Thompson, readily identified by his cigarette holder. In this instance, he has a red nose as well. The words "BAD CRAZINESS!" in all caps are emblazoned by Steadman across the top of the image.

The was listed on AbeBooks by Arches Bookhouse of Portland, Oregon, with a pricetag of $165.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it has since been sold.

Ralph Steadman
AbeBooks listing ended before September 24, 2025

https://www.abebooks.com/signed-first-edition/Jokes-Over-Bruised-Memories-Gonzo-Hunter/32279183067/bd?cm_ven=nl&cm_cat=trg&cm_pla=want_CM&ref_=pe_aep_AEP_wants_buyer-wants&cm_ite=viewbook

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A Presidential Copy of Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72 by Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

Raptis Rare Books of Palm Beach offers a thrice-signed copy of Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72, by Dr. Hunter S. Thompson with illustrations by Ralph Steadman (who knows better than to call himself "doctor"). Author and illustrator have signed the title page. The page opposite is signed by Jimmy Carter. One assumes that the president's signature was obtained at a later date than the other two. 

Readers should feel free to guess the asking price before scrolling down. Hint: shipping is free. 

By the way, that striking cover and title illustration is not by Steadman but by poster artist Thomas W. Benton. It's a harrowing comment on America's involvement in the Vietnam War. Thompson's coverage of the 1972 Nixon vs. McGovern campaign was published in installments in Rolling Stone and collected in book form the following year. 

Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman
AbeBooks listing accessed July 3, 2025

https://www.abebooks.com/signed-first-edition/Fear-Loathing-Campaign-Trail-72-Thompson/32233892591/bd?cm_ven=nl&cm_cat=trg&cm_pla=want_CM&ref_=pe_aep_AEP_wants_buyer-wants&cm_ite=viewbook

Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman
AbeBooks item description

04998

Damn the Good Doktor: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman

A first edition copy of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream (1971) by Hunter S. Thompson is signed by the book's illustrator, Ralph Steadman. He includes a striking color drawing of Thompson, his friend and collaborator, about whom he writes, "Damn the Good Doktor." Thompson never earned a genuine doctorate but he appropriated the title anyway.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
AbeBooks listing accessed February 2, 2025

https://www.abebooks.com/signed-first-edition/FEAR-LOATHING-VEGAS-HUNTER-THOMPSON-Random/32116644651/bd#&gid=1&pid=5

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
AbeBooks item description

 

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Joe Petro III's Advance Proof Copy of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

Joe Petro III obtained an advance proof copy of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971) from bookseller Ken Lopez of Hadley, Massachusetts. He had it signed by illustrator Ralph Steadman (and by Thompson) in the kitchen at Owl Farm in 2004. Joe writes "This was the last time Ralph and I saw Hunter alive."

Note:  Original drawings by Ralph Steadman are a thing here at Attempted Bloggery. Your scans are welcome.

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Joe Petro III's Copy of Hell's Angels by Hunter S. Thompson

Joe Petro III describes how he obtained his striking copy of the British hardback edition of Hell's Angels (1967) by Hunter S. Thompson, signed and embossed with the blind stamp of the author and generously embellished by Ralph Steadman (who, of course, worked extensively with Thompson but did not illustrate this book). The Gonzo emblem is by Thomas W. Benton. Joe writes:

The copy below Hunter signed for me in his kitchen while Ralph and I were visiting him at Owl Farm; that's where Ralph also did the drawing of Hunter for me. Hunter signed the book in red marker, stamped it, and then squeezed his embosser in to the page to top it off. I have been friends and a printmaker with Ralph and Hunter for over 20 years. 

Bad Craziness
"On behalf of the good doktor"
Ralph Steadman

Note:  I hope readers will feel free to use this blog to show off their own outstanding books signed by Ralph Steadman, Hunter S. Thompson, or their ilk, not that they have any ilk.

 

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Hell's Angels Signed by Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman

Hunter S. Thompson's first book, Hell's Angels (1967), describes his year with the California motorcycle gang. It was not illustrated by Ralph Steadman. Nevertheless, Steadman and the book's author signed this copy at Owl Farm, Thompson's home, for printmaker and friend Joe Petro III in 2004. The illustrator added a written tribute to his author friend as well as a drawing of Thompson on a scooter.

Ken Lopez, Bookseller

https://lopezbooks.com/item/29006/

Note:  As always, original illustrations by Ralph Steadman make welcome posts on this blog. Look for another marvelous copy of this book tomorrow.

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Gonzo Collecting

Today a private collector is sharing with us part of a remarkable collection of original Ralph Steadman art and Hunter S. Thompson memorabilia. It must have been exceedingly challenging to assemble all this first-rate gonzo material.

Scarecrow Executive is the Jackalope's first acquisition of original illustration art by Mr. Steadman. It is a masterly evocation of futility and desolation in the corporate world.

Ralph Steadman, Scarecrow Executive

Highlights of the Jackalope's collection include several pieces of original Steadman artwork purchased from the Rolling Stone archives that provided iconic illustrations to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Detail

Ralph Steadman's limited edition print of Hunter S. Thompson has been shot through and through by Thompson, Steadman, and writer William S. Burroughs. It is dated May 6, 1995 and is signed by all three. To my knowledge, Ralph Steadman's gunplay has never resulted in any fatalities. I'll just leave it at that.

Ralph Steadman, Hunter S. Thompson, Limited edition 4/5, with gunshot holes
Signed by William S. Burroughs, Hunter S. Thompson, and Ralph Steadman, Woody Creek, 6 May 1995

A print of Vintage Dr. Gonzo also has been shot through.

Ralph Steadman, Vintage Dr. Gonzo print blasted with a shotgun
Signed by William S. Burroughs, Hunter S. Thompson, and Ralph Steadman

This collection packs some firepower:

Gun from the collection of Hunter S. Thompson, a .357 Colt Python in a contemporary display box

In 1970, Hunter Thompson ran for sheriff of Pitkin County. His campaign posters were designed by Thomas W. Benton. Thompson did not win the election.

Thomas W. Benton, Patriots Arise, 1970

Thomas W. Benton, Thompson for Sheriff, 1970

This 1995 poster protests the expansion of the Pitkin County airport:

Thomas W. Benton, There is some shit we won't eat
Woody Creek Caucus 1995
Signed and annotated "No" by Hunter S. Thompson

Note:  Thanks to the Jackalope for sharing these amazing pieces. See more of the Jackalope's stunning collection on Instagram.

Surely Ralph Steadman's Scarecrow Executive must have been published, but where? If you know, send word.

The reason I've spent so much time asking for pictures of signed books with drawings by Ralph Steadman is I didn't believe there was much original published art out there in private hands. Now that I've seen all this amazing art in one collection, naturally I'd love to be able to share even more with my discerning readers. So, if you've got original Steadman art hanging in your dining room horrifying your dinner guests, why not send a picture or two this way.

By now everyone knows that "A Retrospective:  Ralph Steadman" is showing at the Society of Illustrators in Manhattan, so I'm not going to mention it.


Attempted Bloggery's quick links:

Ralph Steadman

Hunter S. Thompson

Thomas W. Benton

Rolling Stone

Hillary Clinton

Donald Trump

Original Illustration Art

The Society of Illustrators

Attempted Bloggery's Trigger-Happy Index

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Fear and Loathing Signed by Terry Gilliam and Ralph Steadman

On November 6, 1998 the Fashion Institute of Technology hosted Terry Gilliam and Ralph Steadman in converstion. Illustrator Stephen Kroninger attended the event and came away with a good memory and a copy of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas signed by both men. He recalls:

Both Steadman and Gilliam were pretty lit at this event. I thought they were great that night but there was a lot of grumbling in the crowd. The audience was expecting them to present career retrospectives but it turned out to be more of a casual conversation between two friends. Gilliam brought laser discs of his films and Steadman had slides. They decided from the beginning that they didn't want to do that sort of a presentation so Gilliam showed "Time Bandits" while Steadman projected his slides over the film on the same screen.

The highlight of the evening was Steadman getting down on his knees and doing an impression of Hunter Thompson as a kid forced to attend one of his parent's cocktail parties. At least that's my memory of it.

Mr. Gilliam signed illegibly and added a drawing of a pencil. Mr. Steadman signed on the title page.

Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:  A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream, 1972

Inscribed "To Stephen—Terry Gilliam" with a drawing of a pencil

Inscribed "For Stephen/Ralph Steadman"

The Graphic Arts Weekend
Terry Gilliam & Ralph Steadman
The Fashion Institute of Technology
November 6, 1998

Note:  You've heard me say that "A Retrospective:  Ralph Steadman" is on view in New York at the Society of Illustrators. You've heard me remind you that it's here only through October 22. You've heard me say don't miss it. Well, I'm not going to repeat myself.

Many thanks to Stephen Kroninger for sharing his unique book and experience. See Mr. Kroninger's illustration art at stephenkroninger.com. See some photocollages from his MoMA exhibit. By the way, how many of my contributors do you suppose have had MoMA exhibits? Hint: You can count them on one finger.

If you have a unique signed book or original sketch by Ralph Steadman or Terry Gilliam, there's at least one blogger that would like to publicize it. You know what to do.


Attempted Bloggery's quick links:

Ralph Steadman

Hunter S. Thompson

Monty Python

Stephen Kroninger

Attempted Bloggery's unconventional index

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The Joke's Over Signed by Ralph Steadman

The Joke's Over (2006) is Ralph Steadman's tribute to the writer Hunter S. Thompson, his friend who committed suicide in 2005. Thompson, the founder of gonzo journalism, leads his illustrator friend through a series of ill-advised adventures often involving drugs, alcohol, and guns. Steadman eventually finds a more sustainable path for himself, continuing to illustrate Thompson's American pieces from his studio in England. Steadman's memoir is surprisingly articulate, and the book is ultimately a funny and moving recollection of an engaging if pathologically unstable character.

Ralph Steadman, The Joke's Over, 2006

Inscribed "For Stephen Parr/Ralph Steadman 2006" with a drawing of a cartoon face

Note:  An event in the 2006 publicity tour for The Joke's Over seems to be where Mr. Steadman personalized each of the books for Stephen Parr that have been shown on the blog these past two weeks. Attempted Bloggery welcomes photos or scans of other signed Steadman books, particularly those with original drawings or sketches.

"A Retrospective:  Ralph Steadman" is now on view at the Society of Illustrators in New York through October 22. It's no joke.

Attempted Bloggery's quick links:

Ralph Steadman

Hunter S. Thompson

Books Signed to Stephen Parr by Ralph Steadman

All Signed Books with Original Drawings

Attempted Bloggery's unstable index

01973

Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72 Signed by Ralph Steadman

Hunter S. Thompson's uniquely incisive coverage of the 1972 Presidential election (Nixon vs. McGovern) was published in installments in Rolling Stone in 1972 and collected in book form in 1973. It is illustrated by the formidable Ralph Steadman. The artist has signed a copy to Stephen Parr and taken Thomas W. Benton's Vietnam War-era image of the helmeted American GI skull whose eyeglasses reflect a rising swastika—nothing tame here—and amended it by adding a rudimentary pair of horns. While this barely qualifies as a drawing, it does manage to make the book's central image look even more sinister.

Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing:  On the Campaign Trail '72, 1973

Inscribed at a signing in 2006 with a drawing of horns on the Benton skull "For Stephen Parr~/Ralph Steadman"

Note:  "A Retrospective:  Ralph Steadman" is now on view at the Society of Illustrators. It will remain in New York through October 22 only. Don't miss it.

I'm always on the lookout for original art by Ralph Steadman that escaped the clutches of the artist, or for original scribblings and spatterings in books, letters, and such. If you've got something to share with the world here on the old blog, please don't treat me with fear and loathing.


Attempted Bloggery's quick links:

Ralph Steadman

Hunter S. Thompson

Rolling Stone

Signed Books with Drawings

Attempted Bloggery's fearful and loathsome index

01964

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Signed by Ralph Steadman

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:  A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream is the signature work from the collaboration of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and illustrator Ralph Steadman. The work was published in 1971 by Rolling Stone in two installments and then in 1972 in book form. Steadman did not accompany Thompson on his travels this time, but the illustrations he conceived and executed in London somehow perfectly capture the caustic spirit of Thompson's prose.

Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:  A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream, 1972

Inscribed with a drawing of a face "For Stephen Parr from Ralph Steadman 2006"

Note:  "A Retrospective:  Ralph Steadman" is now showing at the Society of Illustrators.
It will be on view through October 22 and is well worth your time.

Do you have any original Ralph Steadman art to show off? Perhaps just a drawing in a book, like the one above? If only there were some blog that would take your scans or photos and present them to a worldwide audience of appreciative viewers. If only... but wait! There is!


Attempted Bloggery's quick links:

Ralph Steadman

Hunter S. Thompson

Rolling Stone

Signed Books with Drawings

Attempted Bloggery's savage index

01963

A Retrospective: Ralph Steadman

I attended the opening reception for "A Retrospective:  Ralph Steadman" at the Society of Illustrators on Friday evening. This is a traveling exhibition that started in London's Cartoon Museum. Ralph Steadman, 80, is a draftsman of prodigious skill seemingly able to draw anything. The event drew many luminaries from the world of illustration, cartooning and animation, although it did not bring out the artist himself, who instead had met with only elite members of the Society the day before.

Ralph Steadman, Self-Portrait, 2006
(HST is Hunter S. Thompson.)

http://www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/event/ralph-steadman-retrospective

Jud Bergeron and Ralph Steadman, Vintage Dr. Gonzo, bronze

Ralph Steadman, Donald Trump—Porky Pie!!
New Statesman, December 17, 2015

Hunter S. Thompson and Donald J. Trump

Journey to Las Vegas from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:  A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream, 1971

Ralph Steadman, White Rabbit, from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, 1967

https://www.artfund.org/what-to-see/exhibitions/2014/12/06/ralph-steadman-a-retrospective-exhibition

Ralph Steadman, The Landing from The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll, 1975

"Just the place for a Snark!" the Bellman cried.
As he landed his crew with care;      
Supporting each man on the top of the tide  
By a finger entwined in his hair.      

"Just the place for a Snark! I have said it twice:
That alone should encourage the crew.
Just the place for a Snark! I have said it thrice:
What I tell you three times is true."   

Punch, March 17, 1965

Punch, March 17, 1965

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/495818240200281584/

Ralph Steadman, Reagan's Latest Close-Up, March 1980

Ralph Steadman, Rats in the kitchen and the head pastrycook's drinking problem became a daily occurrence.

http://www.societyillustrators.org/exhibits/retrospective

Ralph Steadman, Pallas's Cormorant, 2011

http://theday.co.uk/slideshow/2013-07-03/steadman-s-poisoned-pen

A Retrospective:  Ralph Steadman

http://www.societyillustrators.org/exhibits/retrospective

September 25, 2016 Update:  In the comments section, a Society of Illustrators official mentions that I should have come to the Society's September 10 brunch if I wanted to meet the artist. I wish to point out that in no way did the Society of Illustrators promote this brunch to the public as an event in which one could meet the artist, although I believe insiders were privy to those details. The Society has many worthwhile events, but it can be a bit clubby.

Brunch and a gallery talk at the Society of Illustrators, Saturday, September 10, 2016

https://www.societyillustrators.org/events/brunch-society-0

You can see that Ralph Steadman went out of his way to avoid the opening night riff-raff:

Jud Bergeron's Instagram photo of Ralph Steadman at the Society of Illustrators hours before the September 9 opening reception.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKGkgpsDLJq/?taken-by=judbergeron

Note:  The exhibition "A Retrospective:  Ralph Steadman" is covered in a New York Post review by Barbara Hoffman.

I'm going to publish some scribblings by Ralph Steadman this week. If you have some of your own to contribute, please send them along.


Attempted Bloggery's Quick Links:

Ralph Steadman

Lewis Carroll

Ronald Reagan

Donald Trump

Attempted Bloggery's Gonzo Index

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