While Hunter S. Thompson was writing about the campaign in 1972, Timothy Crouse was with him, maybe to try and keep Thompson out of trouble or focused. Whatever the reason the upshot of Crouse being there was a fantastic book about the reporters who were reporting the same campaign. The Boys on the Bus gives you a behind the scenes look at what goes on when it comes to the journalists’ antics, fears, hassles and stress while reporting the 72 election news to the nation. Dr Thompson is mentioned quite a lot in the book.

Mr Crouse started at Rolling Stone magazine as a music reporter. Hunter ran their National Affairs Desk at the time because as he says “nobody else wanted to do it” This became apparent at an editorial meeting in Big Sur where they hooked up, and Timothy was the only other person interested in taking this job (he had always wanted to try his hand at political reporting) so Hunter talked Jann Wenner into letting Timothy do the job.

The Boys On The Bus (Published by Random House) is based on the article that Crouse originally wrote for Rolling Stone in issue 119. The book was first published in 1973, and was re printed in 2003 with an itroduction by Hunter S. Thompson who speaks fondly of Timothy on a personal and professional level. They remained friends for the rest of Hunters life.

This book is a perfect companion to Fear and Loathing Campaign Trail 72, between both books you get a fantastic feel of what went on during the 72 campaign.

Here are some words of praise about Boys on the Bus.

“Crouse takes a big bite out of the hands that feeds news to America, a mean, funny, absolutely honest book!” ……. Hunter S. Thompson

“If, as I do, you love reporters on day and despair of them the next, you will love this book. But everyone who reads it will learn much that is valueable and fascinating about politics, psychology, and the press.”… George McGovern.

As always no book about the Campaign in 72 would be complete without the cover art of Ralph Steadman.