( 5 ) The next year , Random House quickly published the hardcover edition , with additional Steadman illustrations ; The New York Times said it is `` by far the best book yet on the decade of dope '' , ( 6 ) with Tom Wolfe describing it as a `` scorching epochal sensation '' . The next year , Random House quickly published the hardcover edition , with additional Steadman illustrations ; The New York Times said it is `` by far the best book yet on the decade of dope '' , with Tom Wolfe describing it as a `` scorching epochal sensation '' .