Was it Oscar Wilde? "I like drinking. I find drinking alcohol produces all the effects fo drunkeness." or something a lot like that.

The thing that most people may be unaware of when in comes the question of Jim Morrison's inclusion is that he didn't write any of the Door's hits. Many people would be surprised to note how many of their favorite Door's songs were written by Robbie Krieger. In fact, Krieger wrote their only #1 song, Light My Fire. Hardly anyone would have heard of the Doors or Jim Morrison if their reputation was based on Morrison's poetry and song writing ability.

Hunter S Thompson is there among Hemingway

jack kerouac should be, without doubt, closer to number 1.

John Berryman?

hey jack asses... hunter s thompson is # 2 with hemingway... i guess they got #1 right though

Raymond Carver...... this list reads like a freshman year bookstore purchase

shit im not on there....jk.............i drnk but im not an author....☺☺

Where the hell are Charles Bukowski's main influences - John "Fellowship of the Grape" Fante and Henry Miller?

I am baffled by all the people bitching about HST. He's clearly on the list. He's tied with someone else but on there nonetheless. Read the captions in addition to looking at the pictures! You'll find it very helpful in not looking like an idiot! Also...this is a list of drunk AMERICAN writers. No Dylan Thomas therefore, sorry. He was a great poet and a great drunk but, alas, not American. Having said all that: Hart Crane, John Berryman. Two that are also deserving of being on the list I'd say.

Wheres Norman Mailer at he's a drunk...

okay, so Dylan Thomas was a poet, but he happens to be my favorite drunk death. it was at the White Horse Tavern in the village of new york city. his last words were, "I've had eighteen straight whiskies, I think that's the record . . ."

You fucking yanks! As dumb as calling yourself like the owner of 2 continents "America", (by the the way your fucking has no name), you worship drunk fucking bastard u ignorant fucks. Luv U

Hunter s. Thompson is # 2 with ERNEST HEMINGWAY, losers

As is Dorothy Parker. Like Hunter S. Thompson, her picture is not present, although her words are. It seems clear that many of the "readers" look at the pictures first, and sometimes last.

To be perfectly fair, the people who put the "Top Ten" list together rounded up to an even dozen, so perhaps illiteracy, or at least innumeracy, is inherent in the premise.

Ha Buk should be 1-10!

I just wanted to throw another couple of names out there for your consideration. Thorne Smith is probably best known for the Topper series, but I think his best work is probably The Stray Lamb. He is said to have never written a word whilst sober. Li Bai or Li Po is considered to be one of the greatest Chinese poets in history. He was also said to have been an incredible drinker, and it is told that he died by drowning in a river while trying to embrace the reflection of the moon.

Add Chinese poet Li Po - not American, but a drunken poet.

Fhck you guys! Where's Hunter S. Thompson!!!!!!!?

Hunter S. Thompson (the good doctor) definately should have his own category at number 1 or at least top 5 on this list. And Jim Morrison was an amazing writer as well, unfortunately without not much printed work ignorant folk will always discredit him... "I am interested in anything about revolt, disorder, chaos-especially activity that seems to have no meaning. It seems to me to be the road toward freedom... Rather than starting inside, I start outside and reach the mental through the physical." ~ Jim Morrison "I think of myself as an intelligent, sensitive human being with the soul of a clown which always forces me to blow it at the most important moments." ~ Jim Morrison

Jack London is #1. Because he was the first (except Poe. Where the hell is he? And Faulkner? And Steinbeck?) (...I'm writing my MA Thesis on American Alcoholic writers....)

[Editor's Note: Poe is listed at No. 4, Faulkner at No. 3 and Jack London, No. 6. We did not have room to include Steinbeck.]

Jim Morrison should be number 1 on this list!

Whither P J O'Rourke? "If you are young and you drink a great deal it will spoil your health, slow your mind, make you fat - in other words, turn you into an adult." "The proper behavior all through the holiday season is to be drunk. This drunkenness culminates on New Year's Eve, when you get so drunk you kiss the person you're married to." "Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power."

Dylan Thomas? Anne Sexton? Robert Lowell? James Baldwin?

I'd have to push for Raymond Carver. Hospitalized something like five times in one year for his alcoholism. And is there a "top ten of the world" rather than "american" because Malcolm Lowry probably deserves top spot

definitely Malcom Lowrey...(tho he's English)...he made a career of drunkenness....and "Under the Volcano" has some of the best "lost time" sequences in all of writing. Morrison wasn't a great poet...and "Gonzo" was a serious drunk...the pills were just garnish.

Sometimes I Do not understand you Americans? Jack London, one of your best world renown writers, You do not even seerm to know him -

Nobody has mentioned Joseph Conrad - what is this?

Great list and comments. I am not sure where I would put Morrison on this list, but to all the people doubting him...suck it and learn to appreciate art. To Dr. Modesto who claims he did not write any of the hits...you are a fool. He wrote most of the songs. look no further to the first song on their first album "Break on Through" to the last song on the last "Riders on the Storm" I could name countless more. Now for two beautiful quotes from the man who seems to split people's opinions on his qualities as a poet: "Do you know we are being led to slaughters by placid admirals and that fat slow generals are getting obscene on young blood?" "Do you know how pale & wanton thrillful comes death on a stranger hour unannounced, unplanned for like a scaring over-friendly guest you've brought to bed Death makes angels of us all & gives us wings where we had shoulders smooth as raven's claws No more money, no more fancy dress This other kingdom seems by far the best until its other jaw reveals incest & loose obedience to a vegetable law I will not go Prefer a feast of friends To the Giant family" Both of these are from his poem "An American Prayer" which can be found in the book American Night. It is different than the album An American Prayer. All right, that's enough. It's just frustrating when people doubt his talents. All right one more "Now is blessed the rest remembered"

Hunter is here for goodness sake. Truman Capote is a notable loss.

To those who think Hunter S. Thompson wasn't a drunk and only did drugs...you need to read your authors biographies again. He probably drank more than most of these other authors combined AND did drugs. And he didn't drink sissy drinks like some, mostly 101 proof Wild Turkey.

For those who say Morrison shouldn't be on the list. Fine. He didn't write literature and didn't aspire to write literature. He was interested in poetry and music. With that being said i bet he would out-drink any of these people, since we are talking about drinking, and had more of an influence on culture outside of people who do read (no one reads anymore haha. its a shame). If you dismiss Morrison as nothing but a talentless "rock star" YOU are the fool. I gauruntee all you motherfuckers would trade heart and soul to have half of the writing ability he has. Enough said. If you don't believe me buy a copy of American Night. That is some deep shit.

For all you retarded fucks who keep asking "where is HUNTER S. THOMPSON." He is fucking tied for fucking second. Read the whole fucking name title not just the first word, doesn't it seem a little suspicious that some name titles are longer than the others. The people know a days are not to lazy to read a page but to lazy to realize there is an extra name in the title. It's a sad sight

Cornell Woolrich deserves an honorable mention.

and who ever complained about no women, Dorothy Parker was a woman, I am fairly certain

it must run in the blood because most writers I know love a good drink :) helps the creative vibes flow ...

Kudos to those who were paying attention, but the rest of you? This easily makes my top 10 list of "The Most Idiotic Comment Threads Ever Recorded." Half of you you can barely type. You're like monkeys banging two rocks together. For those who had the audacity to pretend they know anything about what goes into crafting a novel, or to suggest any of the writers in this list were not talented--you are complete and utter morons who should light your keyboards on fire and duct tape your hands. *Cheers*

Buck is for sure #1 i was stoked to see him at the right spot when i look at this page

Alcohol rehab centers? Is this page merely a ploy to get people to check into a rehab? HA!

writers that are drunk?

Please can we just get this straight - Dylan may have been visiting America at the time of his death but he was not an American. He was Welsh, born in Swansea and, when not staying in digs in London for work, lived in a fair few properties across South and West Wales. The Boathouse at a Laughnarne being one of his most notable residences and is today a museum to his life and work. I find it pretty astonishing that someone could consider themselves a fan and be affronted that he hasn't been included in this list, and yet not know something as significant as his nationality. Have you never heard recordings of him reading his work? It's not an American accent is it?! We're very proud of him in Wales (despite some of his less honorable activities) so please stop claiming him as an American (or as Irish for that matter!) Diolch, Rhian.

Well, I see the logic in not including Thompson, he was certainly a drunk, but I'm not so sure I would call him a "writer."

Jim Morrison deserves a spot...if songwriting is taken into account.." The time to hesitate is through" Take him.

Are you all drunk? Hunter is tied with Ernie!

Pissed about the guy who's attributing the Samuel Johnson quote to Hunter S. Thompson.

wow this is great but im not sure why

this is awesome and im not sure why

Hunter S. Thompson really is overrated, his life is interesting but his writing isn't that great. I've read him, as most of the people haven't that are posting. His style was cool and unique (no one can deny that) but his writing isn't as iconic as people make him out to be. Kerouac is the same way. He is adequate but surfed on the wave of the times.

Raymond Carver?

I think you forgot Robert Lowell and Anne Sexton! Lowell, was THE lush of his century.In fact, many who loved him emulated his style by becoming drunks themselves!

There is some kind of irony in all the idiots saying Where's Hunter Thompson, when he is on the list. I agree with the choice for Bukowski @ No. 1 spot- he didn't just drink and write, and he drank and wrote about drinking. The rest were trying to be "literary," and Thompson? I love him, but he was full of shit.

Hunter S Thompson is Tied for Second Place people Relax!!! Take a second Look!!

Obviously internet comments are a place to share lunacy, wrongfully gotten ideals, and dip-shit ignorance. However, I believe Hunter S. Thompson spilled more drink than all the others on this list combined.

So sad! To live in a lucid nightmare that ends in impairment and death...for what?

enough of you people were drunk enough when you read this list and commented that you didnt notice the numerological arrangement. BUKOWSKI is NO.1 as he should be and all the rest that follow are just wanna be's trying to fill his shoes! as his grave marker says "DON'T TRY"! just my opinion. KISSES!!

Nancy dear, sounds like you need a drink. I'm buying. *hiccup*

LOL poe would be that one guy at the party in the corner, near the stereo.

He may not be American, but Joyce was drinking buddies with Hemingway and Fitzgerald, and he nearly fucking invented Thompson's and Kerouac's style.

Claiming that one being, thought or essence is greater or lesser than another is the true epitome of ignorance. Words are used to express the inner consciousness which we struggle to communicate in other forms of communication. No, do not "read a book"...understand.

"Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody, if he can help it." "Habit is habit, and not to be flung out the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs, one step at a time.” ~ Mark Twain

Where is Hunter S. Thompson, he's at least top 3 material!!!

to all those dumb asses out there, thompson is no 2 on the list, tided with hemmingway, where he should be. just because you've heard only of thompson, doesnt mean he has to be top of the list. i thought it was a fairly good list. i would like to see a hellrazors list, harris, burton, reed, otoole, nickelson, hooper, etc...

As a side note to F. Scott Fitzgerald's comment, Hemingway's response to Fitzgerald's sobriety is great too. He says something like you should toss you balls in the sea if you have any balls left.

Aside from the obvious (Hunter S. Thompson), what about Fredric Brown? Actually, most writers, as we all have some serious issues.

Jack Torrance

Drunk writers are sturdier than drunkards in the other arts. http://www.unpublishedguy.com/WritingandPublishingFiction/651/amy-and-dying-young-writers-and-poets

Great list but where is Truman Capote?

You are all drunk. Hunter Thompson is #2

FYI Hunter Thomas is there tied with Ernest Hemingway. You would have noticed if you guys weren't all drunk!

Bravo Willy (2008-01-11 18:50:25) for your suggestion of Malcolm Lowry "Under the Volcano". At least someone's a reader here. I believe Lowry lost an entire novel, likely as a result of drinking, his cabin on Dollarton Hwy. North Vancouver burned with the manuscript.

LISTNEN FIRSUT I THINK THAT UALL ARE ALL ASS HOLE WHERDS IS RAYMOND CARVER ON HERE HW WAS A BIGGER ALCOHASIL FUKC ALCOHOLIC THAN ANYTOF THESE GUYS WHOOO PARTYYTYTYT GET FDRUKN!!!!!!!

Rebuttal Yes, Hunter was a disappointment. He painted himself into a corner. He created a monster and he didn't have the fortitude to step back, or let go. He was surrounded by enablers, who put on a shameful display at his funeral service. I'm thinking particularly of Johnny Depp here. But guess what? In regard to his killing himself with his son and his daughter-in-law in the house, and with his wife on the phone; there is nobody more self centered and selfish than a drug addict. Mailer was seduced by celebrity and Hemingway as well. All successful writers are vulnerable. They become parodies of themselves. Hunter wrote the same book for the last twenty years of his life. He became a clown and those Hollywood vampires fed off him. When I lived in Vegas me and my drug addict/alcoholic cronies idolized Thompson. He had the money to get away with that shit for a lot longer than I did. Somewhere I grew up and got out and his destroyed talent doesn't mitigate what he became. And all those lame, phony siphons that egged him on are left to spout off effusively about what a great man and writer he was while they lived vicariously through his self destruction. And call it art instead of degradation.

You have missed 2 of the Greatest Drunk American Writers: Rico Austin in "My Bad Tequila" with the quote "You'll see the true reflection of me when the Tequila bottle is empty," I shouted out to the wind as I tossed the sad, angry bottle shaped mirror to the sea." Hunter S. Thompson should be added to this list as well.

You damn drunks, H.S.Thompson is tied for #2.

I don't know when this list might have been updated but .... hey you mindless and narrow sighted shells of humanity, Hunter is right up there on the list at number 2 tied with Hemingway. We sit here glorifying there drunken lives when most of them were enabled by the publishers that paid them to write in the first place. Think how much more beautiful work we might have gotten from them if they had only been helped to control the demon which gave them their inspiration.

carson mcCullers really oughta be on that list somewhere, tied with someone...

I love these Intellectual prudes who bash Jim Morrison's writing with ease. I don't know what writing means to you, but in terms of observation and honesty, Morrison deserves any readers respect- and perhaps a second glance.