Reggie and Ronald Kray ruled London's gangland during the 1960s with a ruthlessness and viciousness that shocks even now. Building an empire of crime and terror with their gang "The Firm", the Krays' reign of intimidation spanned the decade, during which they also rose to prominence as celebrity nightclub owners. Socializing with politicians, sportsmen, and stars like Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra in the posh West End, they ruled both the underworld and the swinging sixties London scene. John Pearson explores the strange relationship that bound the twins together, and charts their gruesome career to their downfall and imprisonment for life in 1969.
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"Very well researched, realisic look at the London of the Krays in the 50s and 60s and the Krays place in it. The book managed to mix the glamour and the brutality with superb effect and manages to convey the story with real pathos."
— Ash (5 out of 5 stars)
" I read this book years ago. It is probably the best book about the Kray Twins leading up to their imprisonment and one of the best true crime books. "
— Simon, 10/7/2013" Great boigraphy not a tabloid true crime but good journalism. "
— Andy, 8/24/2013" These guys were some nasty customers. I read it because of the "Whitechapel" series on BBC America. "
— Larry, 8/26/2012" Quite well written book for a true crime book - which are usually badly constructed. Insider view to the rise and fall of the Kray twins and the havoc wreacked on London during the 1950s and 1960s. Highly recommended. "
— Taruia, 8/14/2012John Pearson is a biographer and writer best associated with James Bond creator Ian Fleming. He was Fleming’s assistant at the London Sunday Times and would go on to write his first biography, The Life of Ian Fleming. Pearson also wrote true-crime biographies, and would become the third official author of the James Bond series by penning the novel James Bond: The Authorized Biography of 007.
Martin Shaw is an award-winning English actor known for his distinguished theater career and over one hundred television roles, including the popular Detective Constable Doyle in The Professionals. He lives in Norfolk, England.