OVER THE TOP
and around the bend again.
First printed in the Golden Era, the top
literary rag of the times, this
"Letter from Washoe"
chronicles Dan's mad hunger for news during the early
days on the Comstock.
It is
a hunger
we share.
Dan shows that gonzo journalism didn't begin with Hunter
Thompson.
In a piece that transgresses the boundaries between
journalism and fiction--a boundary that was often blurred
in his days--Dan nails the feeling of
CABIN FEVER
that
grips us in northern Nevada when spring has come but
winter hasn't gone yet.
This piece captures the spirit of his times--for better
and for worse
--the substance abuse, violence,
RACISM
and sexism.
We do not endorse any of Dan's ravings. Do not try
this at home!
Please.
I must confess, I am fascinated
by early Nevada journalism and by
Dan De Quille in particular,
so fascinated that I have become him.
"Dan De Quille" will be appearing in Chautauqua events
during Comstock Historic Preservation Weekend in may,
at the Nevada State Museum on June 24,
and at the Great Basin Chautauqua in Reno Mid-July.
--Jon Christensen
P.S. If you would like to read more
Dan De Quille, check out
The Big Bonanza (Nevada Publications) and Dan De Quille:
The Washoe Giant (University of Nevada Press)
Copyright © 1997, Great Basin News Service
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